Since May 2000, Shelley M. Hoss has served as president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) – one of the largest and fastest growing community foundations in the nation, fueled by a mission to transform our community’s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good.
Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF’s impact has grown dramatically. OCCF community initiatives have addressed issues ranging from the needs of veterans and military families transitioning to civilian life, to building a strong, resilient Orange County workforce with opportunities for all to thrive.
During Hoss’ tenure, OCCF’s grant and scholarship awards have surged more than twenty-fold, from $5 million annually when she joined OCCF, to $100 million annually now. This dramatic growth has distinguished OCCF as a stand-out among more than 800 U.S. community foundations, making OCCF the 7th most active grantmaker in the nation and bringing the Foundation’s cumulative granting to more than $1 billion since its inception.
Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF has become recognized as a “center of gravity” for philanthropy in Orange County – and its asset growth has also been dramatic. Assets stewarded by the Foundation have increased from $42 million in 2000 to $605 million today, placing OCCF in the top 7% in assets among U.S. community foundations.
Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Hoss served at the helm of Girls Incorporated of Orange County, leading programs that inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold. She started her career with 10 years at the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, leading programs to help children in the foster care system transition successfully to independent life.
Hoss served as founding chair of Orange County Grantmakers, chaired and served on the board of the League of California Community Foundations, and has been a regular guest lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Merage School of Business at UC Irvine. She is frequently sought for her insights about the nonprofit community by regional media, and contributes thought leadership editorials to the Orange County Business Journal, Forbes Nonprofit Council, and national philanthropic publications. She is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar with a joint Master’s Degree in Business and Public Administration from the University of California, Irvine.
