Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama Blog

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama announced today that its Board of Trustees has named Matt Holdbrooks as the Community Foundation’s next President and CEO.

Holdbrooks, a native and resident of Etowah County, brings more than 30 years of senior executive experience in nonprofit leadership, healthcare, and philanthropic organizations. He currently serves as president of Kid One Transport, where he has demonstrated strong operational leadership, strategic growth, fundraising success, and statewide stakeholder engagement.

During his career, Holdbrooks has led governance reforms and strategic growth initiatives, built donor relationships and managed diversified nonprofit operations, and he has a deep familiarity with Alabama’s public and nonprofit sectors.

“We truly are blessed to have found a candidate with Matt’s broad experience, proven leadership, and established roots in the nine-county region served by the Foundation,” said Anthony Cook, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We anticipate sustaining the level of excellence that has come to define the Foundation and even building in the coming years on its mission to achieve positive change for the nine counties of northeast Alabama.”

Holdbrooks attended UAB on a track scholarship where he earned a degree in business marketing. He has served in leadership roles with the Greater Alabama Council of Boy Scouts of America, UAB Athletics Department, and St. Vincent’s East Foundation. Prior to his tenure at Kid One Transport, he served in a consultant role with Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola, Florida.

As a former cross-country and track athlete, Holdbrooks remains an avid runner and brings the same drive and endurance to his professional life as he does to the trail.

“It is an honor to be selected for this important leadership role. Our team at the Community Foundation will seek to continue the impactful work that has been established during the Foundation’s history. We look forward to working with leaders in our nine-county footprint to support community programs, initiatives, and projects while seeking opportunities to serve as the philanthropic catalyst for the region.” Holdbrooks and his wife Mitzi reside in Glencoe and have two adult daughters. His first day at the CFNEA will be Monday, August 25, 2025.