Oxford's Mark Goumas Appointed to Valley Community Foundation Board

DERBY, CT – Mark Goumas, a lifelong Valley resident, and dedicated supporter and volunteer to many local organizations, was appointed to the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) Board of Directors Thursday.

Goumas, a retired executive with career credentials at Sikorsky, United Technologies Corp., and Lockheed Martin, joined the board after previously serving on VCF’s Board Advisory Council.

“It’s an honor and privilege to have Mark Goumas join this board and we can’t thank him enough for pledging his time and talent,” said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President & CEO. “Our Board of Directors is comprised of some of the most talented and dedicated leaders in our Valley, so he will fit right in.”

Goumas, a 1978 graduate of Ansonia High School, holds several undergraduate and graduate degrees and certifications from Harvard University, the University of New Haven and the Harvard Business School.

“I have always had a great appreciation for VCF and the outstanding work it does,” Goumas said. “I look forward to working with the board and staff to carry on its noble mission of growing local philanthropy and strengthening nonprofits through local grantmaking and leadership programs.”

Goumas is currently involved with multiple Valley organizations and nonprofits, including the Oxford Public Library, Derby Historical Society, the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club, and Shelton High School’s Career Mentoring program. Goumas is also a director for the Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut.

Before retiring in 2020, he was responsible for major US Government defense contract negotiations and providing infrastructural and business support of the companies’ military programs including earned value management, program planning and control, and international trade compliance. He also served as Sikorsky’s Deputy Director for the Integration Management Office during the Lockheed Martin acquisition of Sikorsky.

The Board of Directors also elected new officers for 2023. Nancy Valentine will serve as Chair; Aleta Miner, Vice Chair; Patricia Tarasovic, Secretary and Ray Oppel, Treasurer. Other Board members for 2023 include: Tammy Burrell, Christopher Grizzle, Terry Jones, Fred Ortoli, Angela Powers, Marianne Smythe, Greg Stamos and former chair, Jack Walsh.

The board thanked out-going board member, Jen Magri, who in December completed a full seven-year term. Magri was one of the most diligent board members, serving on several committees and finishing as Vice Chair in 2022.

“We will all miss Jen’s dedication, skill and commonsensical approach to her work,” Closius said. “She was involved in so many projects at VCF and was instrumental in getting so much done.”

About the Valley Community Foundation

Established in 2004, the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) distributes approximately $2 million in grants each year that support local nonprofits, programs, and people. In addition to grantmaking, VCF works in close partnership with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF) to promote philanthropy in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. VCF manages more than 270 local charitable funds. It also receives funding from The Gates Fund, and other funds at TCF that benefit the Valley. For more information about VCF, or if you would like to donate or create a fund, call 203-751-9162 or visit valleyfoundation.org.

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