Scheduled to begin his new role on Monday, March 18, 2024, Steve Weiser brings a wealth of experience and deep commitment to community service to the Erie Community Foundation. As the Vice President of Philanthropic Services, Weiser will play a pivotal role in guiding donors towards fulfilling their long-term charitable goals. Leading a team of three dedicated professionals, he will oversee initiatives aimed at assisting donors in establishing new funds and creating estate gifts through strategic planned giving. Weiser will build relationships with various stakeholders including financial advisors, estate planning attorneys and the regional community foundation leaders in Corry, Findley Lake, North East, and Union City.
Karen Bilowith, President & CEO of The Erie Community Foundation expressed her confidence in Weiser’s appointment stating, “As a proven leader and passionate advocate for our community, Steve will be an excellent addition to our team. Following an extensive search process, we are delighted to welcome Steve, who possesses a strong track record of cultivating meaningful relationships, creating impactful partnerships, and driving positive change.”
A distinguished graduate of Temple University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Weiser was most recently the Executive Director of the Erie Philharmonic. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, overseeing a period of significant growth. The Erie Phil experienced remarkable increases in contributed revenues along with a 300% expansion of its endowment. Under Weiser’s leadership, the Erie Phil secured historical gifts including a monumental $2.5 million estate pledge and a $2 million direct gift.
Reflecting on his career, Weiser expressed, “I am proud of the accomplishments that my team and I achieved at the Erie Philharmonic, which stands on solid ground both financially and artistically. I am looking forward to this next chapter of my career to further the Foundation’s mission of inspiring, engaging and empowering donors and communities across the region.”
