CFSJ Board Vice President
The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) wants our neighbors to know board members for their leadership and generosity. We asked board members a few questions to get to know them and learn about the values that drive their work.
Lois Greco has always been interested in the mission of CFSJ. She joined the board in 2014 because she recognized that CFSJ was more than the average financial institution. CFSJ leads the conversation about philanthropy in South Jersey. It is where foundations, businesses, and community members can talk about important issues impacting their hometowns and together carve a new path to overcome them.
According to Lois, many philanthropic efforts fail to meet the real-time needs of communities because they provide grant funding at random without forethought and planning. CFSJ first asks the community what it needs, and then they work to find the funds to support that need. That makes all the difference. Lois shared, “As a program officer of a large family foundation, I have the privilege of providing resources to visionary community leaders and organizations. In doing so, I can help them learn about this work. This new perspective can transform their worldview, bolstering their civic, professional, and leadership capacities.
Where do you live?
Williamstown, Gloucester County
Where do you work?
Wilmington, Delaware
Where did you grow up?
Staten Island, NY and then Holmdel, NJ
What experience(s) from ages 15 – 25 shaped the person you are today?
In high school, I was a hospital junior volunteer (i.e., candy striper), a member of the social action club, a “little buddy” to a senior citizen, and organized blood drives. In college, I co-chaired a mentoring program for disadvantaged children through Rutgers Community Outreach. My first job was as a lender to nonprofit organizations which taught me a different way of helping nonprofit organizations besides volunteering – helping to build the capacity of the organization so that it could be in a stronger position to help people.
What skills help you exercise leadership?
Empathy and love for the community and people help me give grace and space to all people. It helps me recognize their uniqueness and allows us all to be “works in progress.” I recognize that I have the privilege of stewarding resources. What an awesome responsibility and opportunity!
What brings you joy or makes you experience gratitude?
I enjoy witnessing my children (Rachel, Jacob, and Angela) becoming great human beings. I love spending time with my husband, Terry, on our travel adventures, and the constant attention of my dog and two cats.
What is South Jersey’s greatest asset?
The people are number one, but the location and proximity to Philly, DC, and NY cannot be matched!
What is your aspiration for South Jersey?
I want us all to see each other as neighbors and have a strong sense of community. There is so much potential here. Community pride, community caring, community building—that’s what will make a difference.
What is your aspiration for your philanthropy?
Live. Give. Love