Bucks County-Based Nakashima Foundation Names Executive Director

NEW HOPE, PA — The Nakashima Foundation for Peace announced on Tuesday that Rachel Eichem has been named to the new role of executive director.

Eichem brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to the foundation, with a career spent building philanthropic partnerships in the Delaware Valley, leading fundraising teams, and deepening community engagement on behalf of mission-driven organizations.

Eichem most recently served as executive director for Pennsylvania and Delaware at the Susan G. Komen Foundation, where she was accountable for a multi-million-dollar annual revenue target, provided oversight to the board and leadership council, and served as a spokesperson for the organization at press conferences and public events.

Before that role, she was vice president of development operations at River Crossing YMCA and spent nearly a decade as chief development officer at United Way of Hunterdon County, where she led strategic planning, corporate sponsorship growth, and a successful transition to new digital fundraising systems.

She also held development and outreach roles at Doylestown Hospital, A Woman's Place, the Hepatitis B Foundation, and Solebury School. She was a member of the Solebury School faculty family and lived on campus in New Hope with her husband and three sons for more than 20 years.

Eichem taught horseback riding to individuals with special needs for more than 15 years, an experience that continues to shape her belief in the power of community, patience, and connection.

She holds a CFRE certification in Principles of Fundraising from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University.

“George Nakashima's vision of peace through craftsmanship, art, and connection to nature is something deeply needed in the world right now,” said Eichem. “I'm honored to help carry that legacy forward, and to work alongside the community to build on the Foundation's mission of building Sacred Peace Tables and preserving this remarkable place for future generations.”

“Rachel's combination of strategic fundraising expertise and genuine warmth toward the people and communities she serves makes her an ideal leader for the Foundation as we grow our work in peace and education,” said Mira Nakashima. “We are thrilled to welcome her.”

The mission of the Nakashima Foundation for Peace is to build Sacred Peace Tables for each continent to act as a catalyst for peace, and to preserve both the legacy of George Nakashima, a leading innovator of 20th century furniture design, and the National Historic Landmark designated Nakashima Property in New Hope (Solebury Township) for future generations.

The Nakashima Foundation for Peace is located at 1847 Aquetong Road, New Hope 18938. For more information, visit nakashimafoundation.org