Erie Community Foundation Welcomes New VP of Philanthropic Services

Erin Phillips

The new Vice President of Philanthropic Services for the Erie Community Foundation, Steve Weiser, formerly of the Erie Philharmonic, begins his new position today, Monday, Mar. 18.

Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Steve Weiser has spent years perfecting his pitch. Now, he plans to tune into the broader Erie community as he steps into the role of Vice President of Philanthropic Services for the Erie Community Foundation.

Weiser first came to Erie in 2012 to work with the Erie Chamber Orchestra through Gannon University. Later, he transitioned to the Erie Philharmonic, where he had spent time playing as a percussionist.

Karen Bilowith, president and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation expressed her confidence in Weiser's appointment, "As a proven leader and passionate advocate for our community, Steve will be an excellent addition to our team," she said in a news release. "Following an extensive search process, we are delighted to welcome Steve, who possesses a strong track record of cultivating meaningful relationships, creating impactful partnerships, and driving positive change."

With Weiser at the helm, the philharmonic's team was able to secure a monumental $2.5 million estate pledge and a $2 million direct gift, in addition to increasing contributed revenues and expanding overall endowment by 300%.

Weiser said those decisions were meant to garner sustainable, long-term investments. He said you could help someone learn violin when they're seven, and it's that meaningful and impactful investment that when that individual turns 50, they may want to give back and ensure younger generations can experience it as well. "I love that the Foundation has that same idea," Weiser said. "It's more about how we support the next 100+ years, and that's what I'm looking forward to doing."

Leading a team of three, Weiser will oversee initiatives aimed at assisting donors in establishing new funds and creating estate gifts that are intentional and strategic.

This isn't a nine-to-five desk job, though. Weiser said he's ready to be active in the community, building relationships with stakeholders. Those include financial advisers, estate planning attorneys, and the regional community foundation leaders in Corry, Union City, North East, and Findley Lake.

He said the best thing he could do is lead by example and take meaningful action. 

"Something I've seen the Erie Community Foundation do and that I would like to keep doing over there is not being afraid to lead by example," Weiser emphasized.

His transition begins soon as his first day at the Foundation is Mar. 18.

"I am proud of the accomplishments that my team and I achieved at the Erie Philharmonic, which stands on solid ground both financially and artistically," he expressed. "I am looking forward to this next chapter of my career to further the Foundation's mission of inspiring, engaging, and empowering donors and communities across the region."

Chloe Forbes is a local journalist. Reach her at chloeforbes14@gmail.com.