NCCF remembers Cherry Ballard’s legacy of service, mentorship and friendship
The North Carolina Community Foundation is deeply saddened to share news of the passing of Cherry Ballard, NCCF’s first employee and longest-tenured staff member.
Cherry spent 33 years helping build NCCF into what it is today. She was a trusted mentor known for her steady presence and deep relationships across North Carolina, shaped by an attitude of gratitude that defined how she approached her work.
“Cherry was an inspiration and a sustaining force at NCCF,” said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, NCCF’s President & CEO. “In so many ways, she represented the heart and soul of our work. She was deeply loved by her co-workers and by people across the state for her caring spirit, her remarkable knowledge of communities and relationships, and her gift for helping others see and nurture philanthropy.”
Cherry joined NCCF on July 25, 1988, as the first employee, working alongside NCCF’s late founder Lewis R. Holding and former Executive Director Elizabeth C. Fentress. Over the next three decades, Cherry served the foundation in many capacities, including as Vice President of Donor Services.
When Cherry retired in 2021, she was honored with the Lewis R. Holding Philanthropic Leadership Award, one of NCCF’s highest honors. At the time, Carmen Ames, daughter of Lewis R. Holding, said, “Cherry literally undertook every staffing need the North Carolina Community Foundation required and has been the bedrock and sustaining force of this foundation for 33 years.”
Throughout her time at NCCF, colleagues often described Cherry as the “knower of all things NCCF,” reflecting her deep knowledge of the people and relationships that defined the organization. Just as importantly, she generously shared what she knew, serving as a mentor and guide to generations of staff.
“Before I even set foot in the door of NCCF, a knowledgeable friend advised me, ‘The one person who knows best how the foundation works is Cherry Ballard. She will be your greatest teacher,'” said Beth Boney Jenkins, who retired from NCCF in 2026 after 26 years with the foundation.
She described Cherry as “a trusted guide and friend, not only to me, but to all who have walked through the doors of NCCF.”
“I consider my time with her at NCCF a real gift,” added Wilson Simmons, NCCF’s Chief Financial & Administrative Officer. “What I appreciated most was the softer side of Cherry. No situation was too stressful or insignificant to crack a joke or share a story. I will be forever grateful for the perspective she freely shared at the end of a long day or a particularly tense situation.”
Cherry is survived by her husband, Bill, daughter Amy, son-in-law Tris, grandchildren Abby and Nolan.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to NCCF, the Board of Directors established the Cherry A. Ballard Fellowship in 2021. The paid nine-month fellowship provides current college students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in a philanthropic organization. It is designed to instill a love of philanthropy while giving participants meaningful exposure to the work of a community foundation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Cherry A. Ballard Fellowship at nccommunityfoundation.org/Ballard or by check payable to Cherry A. Ballard Fellowship, c/o North Carolina Community Foundation, 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612.