Cheryl Elliott - Ann Arbor

Cheryl Elliott is CEO and president of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. In 2013 she announced plans to retire from the position at the end of 2014. The AAACF board has promoted Neel Hajra, the nonprofit's chief operating officer and vice president for community investment, to replace her.

Cheryl Elliott at the April 2009 annual meeting of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. (Photo courtesy of The Ann Arbor Chronicle.)

Elliott joined AAACF in 1992, and has served as youth council advisor, program coordinator for scholarships and competitive grants, and chief operating officer. She became CEO and president in 2001, following the retirement of George Cress. During her tenure, AAACF's assets have grown from $6.9 million to over $75 million.

She has served on a variety of community boards and committees, including St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Council of Michigan Foundations Community Foundation Committee, Midwest Community Foundations’ Ventures and The LEAGUE Michigan. She has also served as a board member for the Ann Arbor Rotary Club, Junior League of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw United Way, Washtenaw Economic Club, NEW Center, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, and Washtenaw Community College.

Elliott is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She is married to local attorney Bruce Elliott, and they live in the Burns Park neighborhood. The couple has two grown daughters, Jennifer and Courtney.