Julie Loughran

Julie Loughran was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Community Foundation in November 2017. She is only the third CEO in the Foundation’s 94-year history. Loughran joined the Foundation in 2014 to lead its fund development and communications efforts. During her tenure, she has worked to raise awareness among philanthropically-minded people throughout Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills of opportunities to build charitable funds that will benefit the community for years to come. She has also overseen the Foundation’s external communications with donors, nonprofit organizations, community leaders and the general public, and has supervised the production and implementation of the Foundation’s Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills annual giving day. She has also overseen the creation of a Women’s Giving Circle, which is new this year. Julie spent her early career as a nonprofit and campaign communications strategist, working for a range of candidates and organizations working on civil rights, economic development, environmental and other public policy issues. She also spent twelve years working as an attorney in the public and private sectors. Among other positions, Julie served as an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of New York, where she litigated appeals that addressed a range of issues, including environmental protection, education, civil rights and mental health policy. She also worked as a litigator at Wiggin and Dana LLP in New Haven, where she was recognized for her commitment to pro bono work. Julie earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a law degree from Stanford Law School. She  lives in Washington with her husband, Brendan Foulois, and their daughter, Fiona.

Favorite Experience in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills

Because I am a California transplant with an underdeveloped sense of direction, many of my favorite experiences have involved getting lost on the windy byways of our region, stumbling across vistas that show off the extraordinary natural beauty of all four seasons—something I appreciate having grown up without seeing anything like New England’s fall foliage or a winter snowfall. I am always game to explore a new neighborhood, check out a new café or restaurant, hike on local trails, or take a long walk in the woods outside my back door.

Ask Julie about

A great recipe she’s cooked lately, where to find uncommon spices, roasting coffee beans at home, and creating a giving plan that will make your heart sing.