Anne Williamson has been elected as chairman of the board of the Permanent Endowment Fund, replacing Debbie Hale, who stepped down after eight years. “It was time to bring new leadership to the board,” said Ms. Hale. “Anne will be a dynamic and effective chair and I look forward to working with her as I continue as a member of this active, volunteer board.

“Anne’s experience as a teacher on the Island, her involvement with other Vineyard nonprofits and her spirited dedication to the work of the endowment will help guide us as we continue to strengthen the quality of life on the Island,” she added.

A Vineyard resident for the past 22 years, Mrs. Williamson has been a teacher at the Tisbury School since 1989. From 1990 to 1999 she also worked summers at the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank. She has been active in a variety of Island organizations including serving on the board of the Vineyard Montessori School from 2003 to 2009 and as a volunteer for Community Services for several years. Currently, she is a member of the Federated Church Council, the Friends of the Edgartown Library and the parent advisory committee at Vineyard Youth Tennis.

Mrs. Williamson is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a masters degree in education from Lesley College. She lives in Edgartown with her husband, John, and daughter, Elizabeth.

The Permanent Endowment Fund is the Island’s community foundation. Established in 1982, its resources are focused exclusively on addressing the needs of the Vineyard. With more than $5.8 million in assets, the fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations as well as funds scholarships for Vineyard students. For more information, see online endowmv.org or call 508-338-4665.