Nonprofits | Philanthropy 2023: DEBORAH M. DiCROCE

A passion for higher education and the desire to help build a thriving community with opportunities for all is what drives DiCroce’s continued success at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

The foundation’s role as the region’s largest grant and scholarship provider continues to grow under her direction, topping $20 million in grants and scholarship awards in 2021. In March, the foundation approved more than $1.4 million in grants to a variety of organizations focused on causes ranging from maritime, nature, education, health care, and autism to neighborhood improvements, the arts and housing.

DiCroce has 35-plus years of experience in Virginia higher education, having served as president of Tidewater Community College for 14 years and president of Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville for nine. She also has taught at the University of Virginia, William & Mary, and Old Dominion University.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from ODU and a doctorate in higher education from William & Mary. DiCroce sits on the boards of Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, RVA757 Connects and Virginia Beach Vision.