The Grundy Foundation Announces Leadership Transition
The Grundy Foundation announces the retirement of Executive Director Eugene J. (Gene) Williams, Esquire, at the end of 2025, after 22 years of service. In anticipation of this, the Board of Trustees of the Foundation has appointed Jameson Gilpatrick to serve as Associate Director effective April 1, 2025, and Executive Director starting January 1, 2026. Mr. Williams and Mr. Gilpatrick will work together in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
Along with the Board of Trustees, Mr. Williams oversaw renovations and the expansion of the Grundy Campus 2018 – 2022; managed the Grundy Museum and raised its profile and outreach over the last ten years; created and served as an advisor to community organizations such as Bristol Borough Education Fund, Academic Oversight Committee, Garden Club of Bristol Borough, and Artists of Bristol. He launched the Foundation’s CanDoMore Campaign, which raises funds to enhance existing Grundy Museum and Grundy Library programs and education opportunities. Mr. Williams was integral in restructuring the Grundy Museum volunteer program; and developed strong working partnerships with the greater Bristol Borough area governmental, educational, social, civic, and philanthropic constituencies.
Said Frederick LaValley, a 32-year Grundy Trustee, “During the last two decades, Gene has been steadfast in his efforts to oversee and enhance the Foundation’s campus and properties as well as energetic in encouraging new and foresighted programs in the Museum and Library, all the while being supportive of the Bristol community. A job very well done and much appreciated.”
Jameson Gilpatrick comes to the Foundation from New York City Dance Alliance, where he served as Managing Director for both NYCDA and the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation. His career spans 30 years mostly in the performing arts, managing small and large non-profit regional theaters, as well as serving for five years as Managing Director of Steps on Broadway, the largest dance studio in New York City. In addition, he served as Chief Financial & Administrative Officer for Trenton Health Team. He is very familiar with the Bristol Borough community, having served as Managing Director of Bristol Riverside Theatre. During his time there, he served on the board of the Bristol Borough Business Association and as a member of Raising the Bar, Bristol Borough’s Economic Development Committee. His husband, Jimmy Bason Gilpatrick, owns and operates Bird of Paradise Flowers on Mill Street in Bristol Borough.
Grundy Foundation Trustee and Board Vice Chair, Carl White, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Jameson Gilpatrick as our new Associate Executive Director. His creative mindset, leadership, dedication, and personality will positively impact our mission as well as our community. We are lucky to have him as a part of our organization and we look forward to building a future filled with growth and lasting success.”
“I am honored to follow in Gene’s footsteps and continue the great work of the Foundation, ” said Mr. Gilpatrick. “And, I am thrilled to return to the community of Bristol Borough at such an important time in its history. I look forward to partnering with the board, staff, and community to build upon the Senator’s legacy of giving back to the community.”
The Grundy Foundation serves Bristol Borough through the generosity of Joseph R. Grundy (1863-1961), a businessman who created wealth in a number of enterprises such as textiles, banking, newspapers, and real estate. He was active in the civic affairs of Bucks County and Pennsylvania, having represented the Commonwealth in the U.S. Senate by appointment in 1929-1930, and also played a role in national electoral politics, but his heart always remained true to the borough in which he lived.
Upon the Senator’s death in 1961, his Last Will & Testament established The Grundy Foundation to create and oversee the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum and the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library. Both the Museum and Library were named in honor of his pre-deceased sister, Margaret affectionately known as “Meta.” In addition to the operation of the Museum and Library, The Foundation offers local nonprofit organizations the opportunity to apply for grants to fund charitable, scientific, literary or educational programs, for more information about the Grundy Foundation and its grantmaking opportunities please see our website www.grundyfoundation.com.
Sincerely,
The Grundy Foundation Board of Trustees
