News
1
2026
A Collection of Many Stories: GTCF Marks 45 Years and Looks to Its Next Chapter
June 1, 2026
Forty-five years ago, on June 1, 1981, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation (GTCF) began serving Pierce County with $10,000 in assets and a belief that people working together could achieve more than anyone could do alone. Through the contributions and collaborations of generations of Pierce County neighbors, GTCF has grown into a catalytic partner for the many ways people harness hope and cooperation to build a thriving community. In this way, GTCF is witness to a wealth of shared stories, each one telling how people have contributed to their community’s philanthropic history.
Today, GTCF marks that milestone and announces news of its next chapter.
President & CEO Kathi Littmann to Transition Leadership by End of 2027
Kathi Littmann
Kathi Littmann, GTCF’s President and CEO since July 2015, has informed the Board of her intention to transition leadership by the end of 2027. She will remain fully engaged in GTCF’s strategic goals while working closely with the Board and Leadership Team to sustain GTCF’s role as a catalyst, connector, and knowledge facilitator.
“Serving as President and CEO of GTCF has been the pinnacle of my career,” said Littmann. “After working in education, construction, and national philanthropy, it’s almost like I got to wear all my hats from all my different jobs in this one. Whatever lies ahead for GTCF, it will continue to center on building a thriving Pierce County now and for generations to come.”
Under Kathi’s leadership, GTCF has sharpened its commitment to equity, expanded its philanthropic tools beyond traditional grantmaking, navigated COVID-19, and responded to the most significant shift in federal funding in decades. At the same time, GTCF built more pathways for giving, supported broad awareness and preparation for generational transfer of wealth, and has grown assets to more than $207 million and cumulative grants past $218 million.
“But I am most proud of the trusted relationships we continue to build,” Littmann added. “There isn’t anything in Pierce County that the donors, staff, Board, and partners of GTCF don’t touch in some way, shape, or form. They are the way resources move into communities. Nonprofits, agencies, institutions, and grassroots efforts are all critical to how a community foundation listens, convenes, funds, advocates, and acts in service of a future where all people can shape and activate the systems that affect our communities.”
A Forward-Looking Transition Process
Dr. Sheila Lange
GTCF’s Board of Directors deeply values Kathi’s vision and contributions. The Board is committed to carrying the work forward. An ad hoc hiring committee will guide the CEO search process.
Key details:
- The hiring committee will be led by Board Chair, Dr. Sheila Lange.
- A recruiting firm is in the process of being selected.
- Community input will inform defining the role for GTCF’s next leader.
- A new CEO is anticipated to be in place by the end of 2027.
GTCF’s current programs, commitments, and community partnerships continue without interruption. Updates will be shared as the process moves forward.
Questions about the process should be directed to Chief Strategy and Communications Officer Megan Sukys at msukys@gtcf.org.
45 Years of Pierce County’s Philanthropic Story
To celebrate this milestone, GTCF updated its online History record with photos, milestones, and stories of community efforts throughout the four leaders who have guided the organization.
“We’ve been at this 45 years and it’s only the beginning,” said Littmann. “Thanks to the people who believe in our community, the good work continues, and the mission grows.”
Are there stories about community we haven’t captured? Share your memories of how people came together to build a thriving community.