Bernard J. Story

Bernie Story stepped down as CEO of the Community Foundation on December 31, 2020 and was succeeded by Erika Riddle Petrozelli. Bernie served as President during a transitional period ending on June 30, 2021, after which he is serving as a Philanthropic Advisor at the Foundation.

Story began his tenure as President and CEO with the Community Foundation in 2012. Under his leadership, the Foundation’s total assets grew by nearly 90 percent, from $33 million to over $60 million.  In addition, the number of charitable funds held at the Foundation grew by over 60 percent, from 160 funds to over 260 funds.  Most notable, the annual grants made by the Foundation grew from just over $1 million to nearly $7 million, making the Community Foundation one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in the Lehigh Valley.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Bernie held a variety of enrollment management positions in higher education at Moravian College. He was also a writer at Market Street Design Company, and lead singer and rhythm guitarist for The Midnight Sun, a local rock band.

Bernie had been a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem having served as President and Vice President. He also served as Chair of the Middle States Regional Council of the College Board and as a higher education panelist for Leadership Lehigh Valley. Bernie served on the Steering Committee of the Upside Allentown Neighborhood Partnership Program. Currently, he is a Director of the Saucon Insurance Company.

Bernie is a Bethlehem native and a graduate of Moravian College with a degree in English Literature. He currently resides in Emmaus with his wife Peg. They have three children and five grandchildren.