Centre Foundation Names David Lieb as Next President & CEO

Respected philanthropy and higher education leader to guide the Foundation into its next chapter of growth and impact.

STATE COLLEGE, PA – October 16, 2025 – The Board of Directors of Centre Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of David Lieb as the organization’s next President and CEO, effective November 17, 2025. Lieb succeeds Molly Kunkel, who is retiring after more than a decade of leadership that anchored Centre Foundation as a cornerstone of philanthropy and community impact in Centre County.

“On behalf of the board, we are thrilled to welcome Dave,” said Erin Meitzler, Chair of the Board of Directors. “He brings exceptional leadership, deep local connections, and a shared commitment to our mission.”

David Lieb is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over three decades of experience in philanthropy and higher education advancement. He served as the Senior Associate Vice President for Development at Penn State University, and in his last two years with the University, served as the Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, during which time he played a pivotal role in planning and launching the university’s current fundraising campaign effort.

A long-time State College resident, Lieb’s collaborative leadership style and commitment to service align closely with Centre Foundation’s mission and values. Lieb’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Centre Foundation advances its five-year strategic plan, launched earlier this year to reflect the Foundation’s vision for a more connected, resilient, and thriving Centre County.

“I am thrilled to accept this incredibly important role,” said Lieb. “The Foundation collaborates with so many nonprofits across the county, significantly enhancing the quality of life which we all enjoy in the Centre region. It’s an honor to be invited to lead an accomplished team and to work alongside a dedicated Board and volunteers as we endeavor to elevate the Foundation’s impact even further.”

Outgoing President Kunkel led Centre Foundation through a period of remarkable growth. During her tenure, the Foundation’s assets and grantmaking expanded significantly, and programs such as Centre Gives, Centre Inspires, Centre PACT, and the Giving Circle became hallmarks of its community impact.

“Centre Foundation’s new strategic plan reflects our shared commitment to a brighter, more inclusive future where every voice matters and every person has the tools and support they need to thrive,” said Kunkel.

In addition to leading the continued rollout of the strategic plan, Lieb’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Centre Foundation as it advances key initiatives. Among them is Press Forward, a collaborative local journalism effort made possible through a $1 million investment from the Knight Foundation to strengthen community news and civic engagement across Central Pennsylvania.

The Foundation is also deepening its commitment to Centre County through the Fund for Centre County, a visionary fund established to address emerging community needs. This fund has historically fueled transformative initiatives such as Centre Inspires, the 40th Anniversary Matching Program, and Centre Gives, and continues to power the Foundation’s forward-thinking approach to community philanthropy.

Through careful stewardship of donor funds, Centre Foundation supports scholarships and a wide network of nonprofits serving health and human services, education, arts and culture, and environmental conservation and awareness—and much more.

Since its founding in 1981, Centre Foundation has awarded more than $44 million in grants and scholarships to over 1,200 organizations throughout Centre County. The Foundation fosters a culture of giving, supports and empowers nonprofits, and sparks positive community change.