Dena Chadwick
President & CEO
Dena Chadwick was named president and CEO of Philanthropy Southeast in June 2024. She has been with the organization since 2009, including serving as chief operating officer with her predecessor and mentor, Janine Lee.
Dena played a leading role in the development of the Equity Framework, the organization’s groundbreaking commitment to inspire and strengthen learning, leadership and actions within Southern philanthropy dedicated to the advancement of equity in the field and region. The Framework, adopted in 2019, has since influenced the development of a new mission and vision. Dena is also a key architect of Philanthropy Southeast’s Courageous Leadership Strategy, which calls on the organization to take risks and make leaps that mobilize the people and resources needed to address critical issues facing philanthropy in the South and communities in the South.
Throughout her career at Philanthropy Southeast, Dena has leveraged her expertise and prior experience to ensure effective stewardship of financial resources. Working with the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, she has led work that has placed Philanthropy Southeast in a strong and sustainable position. She also spearheaded successful efforts to operationalize the organization’s commitment to equity, including the creation and adoption of a DEI Policy and a new Employee Handbook.
In addition to her work at Philanthropy Southeast, Dena serves on the board of the United Philanthropy Forum. She also served as a board member for The Museum School of Avondale Estates from December 2010 to January 2013 and served as its Treasurer from December 2010 to June 2012. She continues to serve on its Advisory Board.
Dena began her career in philanthropy as a staff accountant and assistant controller with the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation in 1991. She earned a bachelor’s of business administration degree in accounting from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.
Dena, an Atlanta native, has two adult children. She lives with her partner and their two dogs and enjoys when the house is full and everyone comes home.
Contact Dena Chadwick at dena@philanthropysoutheast.org.