(Photo provided) Amy Nahely

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation has named Amy Nahley as its next executive director, selecting the current senior program officer after a nationwide search, the foundation announced this week.

Nahley will assume the role Jan. 1. The search was conducted by Benefactor Group and drew “a field of exemplary candidates,” according to the foundation. Board leaders said Nahley rose to the top because of her knowledge of the foundation’s mission and strong relationships with community partners.

“Amy is a dynamic leader, with deep knowledge of our donors and nonprofit partners,” Board Chairman Tom Whaling said in a statement. “She has a proven record of success in her current role and is ideally positioned to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and expanded impact.”

Nahley joined the foundation in 2023 and leads its grantmaking portfolio of about $4 million annually. In that role, she has worked closely with community nonprofits, donors and civic leaders to direct philanthropic support across the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Before joining Foundation, Nahley was as director of purchasing and auditing for the Wood County Board of Education. She has a bachelor’s in political science from Auburn University and a juris doctor from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University.

Nahley lives in Parkersburg with her husband, Chris, and their three children. In addition to her professional work, she has been active in community and leadership initiatives aimed at strengthening nonprofit capacity, fostering collaboration and improving quality of life in the region.

“Working with the foundation has shown me the incredible impact we can have when we bring people together around shared goals,” Nahley said. “I’m eager to take on a broader leadership role — deepening connections with our board, fundholders and community partners to advance the mission we all care about.”

As executive director, Nahley will oversee daily operations and guide the organization’s long-term strategy with the board of directors. The foundation said she will continue efforts to help donors meet their philanthropic goals and convene community leaders to address local needs.

Search Committee Chairman Robert Wright said the board is confident in Nahley’s leadership and vision.

“Amy brings a proven record of strategic leadership that positions her well to lead us into this next chapter,” Wright said. “Under her guidance, we are confident the foundation will continue to grow, working with donors to establish new funds and deepening our collective impact in the community.”

Wright also thanked Executive Director Fred Rader for his service and contributions to the Mid-Ohio Valley. Rader is retiring at the end of the year.