This June, IECF marked a bittersweet milestone as Celia Cudiamat announced her retirement after 21 remarkable years of service as our Chief Impact Officer. Under Celia’s dedicated guidance, IECF’s grantmaking grew from $2 million in 2004 to over $29 million, facilitating nearly a quarter of a billion dollars back into Riverside and San Bernardino counties. From launching the Youth Grantmakers Program to helping build critical signature funds and managing the Regional Fire and Forest Capacity Program, Celia perfected the science and art of community-driven philanthropy. She left an extraordinary legacy—one rooted in deep trust, equity, and a profound commitment to the people of the Inland Empire.
Stepping into a legacy that grand requires a leader with a unique combination of systems-level expertise, a passion for equity, and a proven track record of managing large-scale community resources. That’s why IECF is thrilled to welcome Abigail “Abby” Proff, MPH, as our new Chief Impact Officer.
Abby comes to the Foundation with more than 10 years of experience directing complex, multi-stakeholder funding portfolios. Most recently, she served as the Director of Funding, Procurement and Allocations at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) , where she managed the strategic planning and stewardship of an $800M+ community investment portfolio. Her extensive background spans the intersection of public and philanthropic investments, including managing a $23M early childhood grant portfolio at First 5 LA and leading research and grant development teams that secured millions in federal and foundation awards.
Abby excels at taking complex funding streams and transforming them into accessible, equitable frameworks that directly support community-based organizations. This makes her uniquely suited for the exciting work ahead at IECF. As Chief Impact Officer, Abby will be responsible for leading our regional vision for impact, ensuring our grantmaking practices remain centered on equity, data, and community voice.
In her new role, Abby will oversee the full lifecycle of IECF’s diverse distribution portfolios, including scholarships for local students and grants funded by public sources and private foundations. She will help guide our strategic regional priorities, such as climate and environmental resilience and education equity initiatives.
“Over the coming months, I’m excited to connect Abigail to our community,” said Michelle Decker, President and CEO of IECF. “She brings experience in housing, homelessness, and public health, but the magic happens when she is connected to our fundholders and nonprofits. Celia excelled in keeping our nonprofit partners at the center of our grantmaking, and we will continue that tradition with Abigail. We are deeply grateful for Celia’s years of leadership and service, and for the lasting legacy she leaves, grounded in trust, equity, and a steadfast commitment to the people of the Inland Empire.”
As IECF enters its 85th year, this change brings a moment of gratitude for where we’ve been and excitement for where we’re headed. By bridging public systems with philanthropic strategy, Abby is ready to help IECF navigate its next chapter of growth, ensuring our resources continue to build a more just, resilient, and thriving Inland Empire. She shared, “What excites me most about joining IECF is that it’s deeply rooted in the community it serves. I’m inspired by the strength of its partnerships and the range of its grantmaking across the region, and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to meaningful systems change. Leveraging my experience in both the nonprofit and government sectors, I hope to help connect community voice with the resources and solutions that can create lasting impact. On a personal level, I am also excited to be part of strengthening the future of the Inland Empire, a place where my son, my nieces, and my nephews—together with individuals and families across the region—can grow, thrive, and find opportunity in the communities they call home.”
Please join President and CEO Michelle Decker and the entire IECF team in giving Abby a warm Inland Empire welcome! We look forward to witnessing the impact she’ll bring to our region.
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