Stanly Community College has turned to one of its own to head the school’s Foundation.

SCC has named Jeania Martin as the college Foundation’s new executive director. For the past eight years, Martin has worked for SCC as the dean of admissions. She began her new position Monday.

“The Stanly Community College Foundation was fortunate to have a number of excellent candidates for the executive director position,” said John Enamait, SCC president. “Jeania’s prior experience in a foundation setting was a deciding factor when selecting our next executive director.

“I am firmly convinced the SCC Foundation is in a position to continue to grow and further assist our students; Jeania will hit the ground running and continue the great work that is already underway,” Enamait added.

Prior to arriving at SCC, Martin served as the director of admissions at South Piedmont Community College, and as the director of resource development at Anson Community Hospital (now Carolinas HealthCare System Anson – Atrium Health).

During her career, Martin has secured funding for significant project campaigns, planned donor recognition and appreciation events and served as a grant writer, securing more than $1.5 million in funding.

“I am excited to have Jeania as our executive director,” said Lee Pickler, chairman of the SCC Foundation Board of Directors. “Her past proven leadership and experience in similar foundations will allow her to be effective immediately.”

Established as a nonprofit by its Board of Trustees in 1978, the SCC Foundation cultivates financial gifts, bequests and donations for various educational programs at the college.

Funds raised by the Foundation are designated toward scholarships, student emergency funds and facility and program upgrades. The Foundation has awarded more than $87,000 in scholarships so far this year.

The SCC Foundation supports the SCC Alumni Association that provides opportunities for alumni to stay connected and involved in the campus community. Membership includes benefits such as attending career networking events, connecting with former classmates and receiving email updates on the latest alumni news.

Martin received her master’s in adult education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and her bachelor’s in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity,” Martin said. “I look forward to working with the SCC Foundation Board to help share with the community all the wonderful things that are happening at Stanly Community College. With the help of our generous employees and community, we are truly changing the lives of our students. I am enthusiastic about the many opportunities ahead.”

Martin and her husband, Linc, reside in Norwood with their two sons, Walt and Jack.

Martin’s new position fills a vacancy left with the departure of Christy Bogle.