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Vol. 3, No. 2 March 2007

FOUNDATION FACES

Laura Atwell, Executive Director, Wallace Foundation of Arizona

Vital Stats: Laura Atwell, 54, born in Chicago, Illinois, married for 32 years to Pete Atwell, two children, Mackenzie, 21 and graduating from Loyola Marymount University in May, and Cole, 17, a junior at Pinnacle High School.

First/Most Interesting Jobs: Before I graduated from college, I worked at a fast food restaurant, clothing store, college snack bar, dissertation typist, and secretary – none of them particularly interesting, but necessary. After college, I got a teaching job at a private country day school until I moved to Arizona in 1979. In Arizona, I did marketing and communications work for a realtor, followed by 11 years with The Arizona Republic and The Phoenix Gazette. My most interesting job has been working for The Wallace Foundation for the last 10 years.

Hobbies/Favorite Pastime: My hobbies include hiking, reading, watching movies, travel, and scrapbooking.

Path to Philanthropy: My path to philanthropy started with my work at the newspapers in corporate contributions. I chaired the VCN – Valley Contributors’ Network for a couple of years and enjoyed the people I met and worked with there. When I left the newspapers, I ran my own consulting business for awhile and then applied for my job with The Wallace Foundation in 1997. Currently, I am their executive director, charged with the sad duty of closing the Foundation at the end of this year. After a busy fall, including hosting an advocacy conference on Sept. 18 (which I hope you all will attend!), we will cease funding from the Foundation. I am looking forward to finding a new position with equally stimulating work. Let me know if you have an opportunity for me. ;^)

Favorite Quote: “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you can be sure he didn’t get there by himself.”