Cory has been with the foundation since its inception, serving as the acting president and CEO during the foundation’s inaugural two years. In that capacity, he led the establishment of the foundation’s core operations and infrastructure, and managed the formation and development of the board. Cory now serves as the executive vice president—overseeing finance, operations, human resources, legal, real estate, and technology, while providing counsel and support on governance, strategy, and organizational development. Prior to his current role, Cory spent 16 years as a leadership and organizational change consultant for nonprofit organizations and coalitions in the Pacific Northwest. In that capacity, he served as interim CEO for nine organizations, provided counsel to more than 100 boards of directors, and guided dozens of organizations through complex organizational transitions.
Cory is also passionate about cultivating and supporting nonprofit leaders. Through a partnership of the Nancy Bell Evans Center on Nonprofits & Philanthropy and Cascade Executive Programs at the University of Washington (UW), Cory co-created the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute—an intensive, six-day learning experience for senior-level nonprofit professionals in the Pacific Northwest. He served as the faculty lead for the program from its inception in 2007 through 2019. Cory also served for 12 years as the lead instructor for the Nonprofit Management Certificate Program offered through UW Professional & Continuing Education. In 2009, he received a UW Teaching Excellence Award. Cory is a graduate of the UW Evans School of Public Affairs, where he earned an MPA with a focus on leadership, organizational development, and financial management.