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Jonathan Lever to take helm of Madison Community Foundation in February
Jonathan Lever, a nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience, will become president and CEO of the Madison Community Foundation in February 2027. He will succeed Bob Sorge, who is retiring after 14 years leading the organization.
Jonathan Lever will become president and CEO of the Madison Community Foundation in February 2027, taking charge of an organization that manages roughly $500 million in assets and distributes charitable grants across the region.
The foundation announced Lever’s appointment Oct. 22. He will succeed Bob Sorge, who is retiring after 14 years as president and CEO.
Lever brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Fetzer Institute, a private foundation. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with the YMCA of the USA and the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.
The foundation’s grants support a range of local causes. It distributed $22 million in 2024, and recently provided funding to help Madison accelerate the purchase of body-worn cameras for police officers.
Anne Lucke, chair of the foundation’s board, said the organization chose Lever after a national search, citing his extensive background. Lever said he is looking forward to settling in Madison and helping the foundation connect community generosity with local needs.
Sorge said he was honored to serve the community and expressed confidence in Lever, the board and staff as they guide the foundation’s next chapter.