EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. – The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) is proud to announce that President & CEO Aliesha Walz, CFRE, has been named the recipient of the 2025–26 Aaron Smith Leadership Award, presented by Leadership Washington County (LWC).
Established in honor of the late Aaron Smith, a respected community leader and former Leadership Washington County Board member, the award recognizes individuals who embody humility, generosity, curiosity, open-mindedness, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Recipients are selected for consistently demonstrating these qualities through both their professional leadership and community involvement.
Walz was recognized for her servant leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering dedication to strengthening Washington County through philanthropy, partnership, and community engagement. Since becoming President & CEO of the WCCF, she has championed initiatives that connect donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to create lasting local impact.
"Aliesha always operates in the best interests of the Washington County Community Foundation, its employees, Board of Trustees, and the Washington County community," said WCCF Vice Chairman Dr. Geraldine M. Jones. "She is, and continues to be, a difference-maker."
As part of the recognition, Pennsylvania State Senator Camera Bartolotta presented Walz with a Senate Citation honoring her leadership, service, and contributions to the Washington County community.
About Leadership Washington County
Leadership Washington County is a leadership development organization with programs that leverage classroom learning, experiential learning, and exposure to government, academic, nonprofit, and corporate institutions, as well as, leadership experts to build business leaders, community leaders, and professional networks.
About the Washington County Community Foundation
The WCCF’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. In addition to issuing grants to local nonprofits, the Foundation also facilitates WCCF Gives, an annual giving event that benefits more than 100 local charities. It also provides free educational opportunities to help strengthen local nonprofits and continues to maintain the Community Snapshot website to identify community needs on an ongoing basis.
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