2 December, 2020
For Immediate Release
The Boards of Directors of the Lyford Cay Foundation Inc. (LCF), and the Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation (CLCF) are pleased to announce that Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle will become the next Executive Director for Lyford Cay Foundations.
LCF Chairman, Basil P. Goulandris underscored, “Dr. Virgill-Rolle is the quintessential leader for Lyford Cay Foundations. Her professional career is truly exceptional and bodes well for the future success of the organization”.
Dr. Virgill-Rolle is a former Director of Economic Development and Planning in the Office of the Prime Minister, where she was responsible for the creation of the country’s National Development Plan, the Sustainable Nassau Plan, Andros Masterplan and for the creation of an Over the Hill Revitalization Strategy for The Bahamas. She is also a former Director of Financial Services, where she oversaw the development and implementation of a 10-year Financial Services Strategic Vision for The Bahamas, including strategies that guided The Bahamas through new global tax rules.
She is also a former Economic Attaché of The Bahamas’ Embassy in Washington DC, and a former Deputy Manager for Policy at the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Since 1969, Lyford Cay Foundations has invested more than $50 million in the Bahamian community. Mr. Goulandris emphasized, “Dr. Virgill-Rolle brings extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with socioeconomic issues. Dr. Virgill-Rolle is deeply passionate and committed towards the future of The Bahamas. As Lyford Cay Foundations embarks on the next 50 years of supporting educational opportunities for Bahamians we look forward to strengthening and expanding our mission with Dr. Virgill-Rolle at the helm, leading a dynamic professional team.”
Dr. Virgill-Rolle shared, “I am delighted to have been selected as the next Executive Director of the Lyford Cay Foundations, an institution which has had such a important role in the lives of so many Bahamians, including my own, as a Lyford Cay Scholar.”
Mr Goulandris adds, “Having been a recipient of a Lyford Cay Foundation scholarship, Dr Virgill-Rolle appreciates the tremendous value and opportunities our scholarships offer. As such, Dr. Virgill-Rolle’s appointment is all the more befitting.”
Dr. Virgill-Rolle holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Public Policy from George Mason University, and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in the Political Economy of Development from the University of London, SOAS. She holds a Bachelor or Arts degree in Economics, International Development from Vassar College and an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting from The College of The Bahamas, now University of The Bahamas.
Looking ahead, Dr. Virgill-Rolle commented, “Building on the successes of the Executive Directors who came before me, and together with the Board and supporters, I look forward to continuing this good work and expanding the potential of the Foundations’ work in The Bahamas”.
Felicity Humblestone, the current Executive Director, who ends her tenure with the nonprofit on December 31, 2020, adds, “I am thrilled that fellow Lyford Cay Scholar, Dr. Virgill-Rolle, will be leading this wonderful organization into its bright future. I cannot think of a more fitting and exceptional leader for Lyford Cay Foundations at this time in its history.”
Lyford Cay Foundations extends its thanks to the Search Committee coordinated by The Vivian Group, for their work in this exercise.
About Lyford Cay Foundations: Lyford Cay Foundations is a private philanthropic organization with a 50-year history of impact in The Bahamas. Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, our incorporated entities, were established in 1969 and 1977, respectively. Lyford Cay Foundations’ mission is to invest in learning opportunities for children, young adults, families and communities, all made possible by the generosity of donors. Through a variety of programmes, Lyford Cay Foundations assists children in school as they prepare for college, students leaving high school with scholarships to attend college in The Bahamas and internationally, and community organisations providing learning opportunities. To date more than $50 million has been invested in the lives of Bahamians. Please follow Lyford Cay Foundations on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
