Ellie Burns
The Chrysalis Foundation has named Ellie Burns its next executive director, succeeding Terry Hernandez, who is retiring after 29 years with the organization. Burns, who will begin her new role Oct. 19, joins Chrysalis from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, where she served as senior director of nonprofit relations. In that role, Burns led initiatives focused on strengthening nonprofit organizations, developing emerging leaders and increasing collaboration across the sector. Founded in 1989 by Louise R. Noun, Chrysalis invests in community grants, scholarships, after-school programming, leadership development, and nonprofit partnerships that strengthen opportunities for women and girls in Central Iowa. “Chrysalis Foundation has an extraordinary legacy, and I look forward to bringing people together to build on that foundation and expand what’s possible for girls and women across Central Iowa,” Burns said in a prepared statement. Hernandez joined Chrysalis in 1997 as its first staff member. She will remain with Chrysalis during the leadership transition and the organization’s Inspired fundraising event on Nov. 2.