Donors Forum's President and CEO, Valerie S. Lies, has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Community Leader Award, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Chicago.

The award recognizes an individual who has shown extraordinary leadership and advocacy for a cause that has resulted in a significant and positive change for a particular neighborhood, issues, or segment of our society.  It also honors those who demonostrate high ethical standards and exemplify the philanthropic spirit of Chicago.

Valerie has been President and CEO of Donors Forum since 1987, and will retire in June. Through the years she has overseen numerous initiatives and innovations that have increased the effectiveness of philanthropy and nonprofits in Illinois.  She is Co-Chair of the Attorney General's Charitable Advisory Council; serves on the Governor's Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise Development; and is currently on the board of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO). She has received numerous awards and honors; including being named twice, most recently in 2012, by The Nonprofit Times as one of the sector's "Top 50 Power and Influence Leaders" in the United States. 

"I am honored to be recognized by AFP with the Outstanding Leadership Award," said Valerie. "It is my privilege to work with — and on behalf of — the Illinois philanthropic and nonprofit community, as we strive toward our common goal of a strong and effective sector, and ultimately of making a difference in the lives of the residents of Illinois."

Valerie and winners of other AFP awards will be honored at the 38th Annual Faces of Philanthropy Luncheon in downtown Chicago on May 9.  Get details on the luncheon here.

— Marilou Jones, Director of Strategic Marketing