In 2015 we saw the start of a new era at PCV. Over the past years, Pacific Community Ventures’ impact had grown steadily and the organization became poised to scale nationally and internationally. PCV was at an exciting inflection point in 2015 with an effective and proven platform now in place on which the organization can build exponentially. After much personal reflection, our leaders Beth Sirull and Bill Pace decided to step down in order to find PCV’s leadership for the next 10 years. Beth and Bill went out on quite a high note, though! As a pair they were awarded the 2015 James Irvine Foundation California Leadership Award.
Through this award, the Irvine Foundation recognizes innovative leaders advancing breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California. For Beth and Bell, that issue is lack of quality jobs and access to capital within lower-income communities.
Beth and Bill handed the reigns of PCV this year to Mary Jo Cook, our new President and CEO, and Ralph Clark, our new Board chair. Mary Jo is passionate about using business as a force for good. She has over twenty-five years of leadership experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Most recently, Mary Jo was Chief Impact Officer at Fair Trade USA, where she led the organization in engaging farmers, businesses, and consumers to create more sustainable global supply chains and improve the lives of farming communities. Prior to Fair Trade, Mary Jo was a Vice President at the Clorox Company, where she held senior management roles in innovation, sustainability, strategy, and marketing. Ralph has been a part of PCV’s Board since our very founding.