New Board Leadership Announced For The Community Fund Of Darien

DARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien has appointed Melissa Williams as its new board president, succeeding Brandi Maniscalco. Williams will serve a two-year term as the nonprofit approaches its 75th anniversary in 2026.

"As we approach our 75th year, I am inspired by the legacy of generosity and service that The Community Fund has built," Williams said in a prepared statement. "I look forward to working with our dedicated board, staff, and volunteers to deepen our impact and ensure that every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive."

Williams has volunteered with The Community Fund since 2015, starting as a community grant volunteer evaluating nonprofit applicants. She later served five years as an adult advisor for the Youth Community Fund and co-chaired the town’s Human Service Planning Council, a coalition of nonprofit, government and education leaders. She has also served on the organization’s audit and finance committees.

Joining her in board leadership is Allegra Erickson, named first vice president. Erickson began with The Community Fund as a grant volunteer before joining the board, where she chaired the grant committee. Most recently, she co-chaired Thriving Youth Darien, a coalition promoting youth development and mental health while working to reduce teen substance use.

"I love serving on the Board of The Community Fund because I believe in its mission of caring for and supporting all members of our community," Erickson said in a prepared statement. "Through the Community Grant Committee, I’ve seen the real impact that local programs have on the lives of our friends and neighbors. Darien is a deeply caring community, and The Fund brings that compassion to life."

The Community Fund has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants over the past two years to nonprofits addressing human service needs in Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford. The organization said it plans to build on that impact under its new leadership.