Mary Walachy

Mary Walachy is the Executive Director of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation.  Hired in 1997 to manage the affairs of the Davis Foundation, Walachy’s responsibilities include the development of the organization’s strategic direction, general oversight of its administration, developing proactive and new funding initiatives, developing the Foundation’s funding and application guidelines and reviewing grant proposals. In 2009 the Foundation expanded its Cherish Every Child initiative to include Read! Reading Success by 4th Grade, a comprehensive campaign to improve the reading proficiency of children from birth to 8 years old and aimed at the goal of all of Springfield’s 3rd graders achieving reading proficiency. Under Mary’s leadership, Springfield was twice named an All-America City by the National Civic League and the city has also been recognized as a Pacesetter Community in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Ms. Walachy also created the Funder Collaborative for Reading Success, a collaboration of over 12 regional funders who have collectively raised funds in support of early literacy and reading success.  Ms. Walachy was also the leading architect in the creation of Springfield Business Leaders for Education (SBLE), a group of over 40 local employers concerned about and committed to improving educational attainment from pre-school through K-12, to higher education and career training. SBLE’s goal is to ensure a skilled workforce and economic opportunities for all in the community.