Felecia Lucky Steps Down as CEO of Black Belt Community Foundation After 21 Influential Years

Felecia Lucky to Depart from Black Belt Community Foundation

After an impressive 21-year tenure leading the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF), Felecia Lucky has announced her decision to step down from her role as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective September 30, 2025. Her remarkable leadership has transformed the foundation into a potent force for positive change in one of America’s most economically challenged regions.

The board of the foundation has appointed the highly respected Christopher Spencer, currently serving as Chief Community Engagement Officer and a Black Belt native, as her successor. Spencer’s extensive experience with the foundation, coupled with his profound dedication to community service, positions him well to continue the essential work initiated by Lucky.

Felecia Lucky has been instrumental in the development and growth of the BBCF, driving nearly $100 million in investments into the Black Belt region through strategic partnerships with more than 200 local nonprofit organizations. Her unwavering commitment to community input has ensured that the foundation's initiatives are effectively aligned with the needs and aspirations of local residents.

During her leadership, BBCF has not only focused on grants and scholarships but has also championed long-term, community-led initiatives that empower individuals and groups within the Black Belt. Reflecting on her time at the foundation, Lucky stated, "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve BBCF and the Black Belt. Together, we've built something special." Her next chapter will see her take on the role of President and CEO at the F.B. Heron Foundation, where she intends to further her commitment to community empowerment on a national scale.

Kennard Randolph, chair of the foundation’s board, praised Lucky’s visionary leadership, noting, "Felecia has been a tireless champion for the Black Belt. Over the past two-plus decades, she has put our community at the front and center — making sure every decision is made with the input and guidance of the people of the Black Belt. She has built an extraordinary organization, and we wish her nothing but the best as she moves into this next chapter."

Christopher Spencer, who began his journey with BBCF over 20 years ago as a Community Associate, brings a wealth of experience as a dedicated community leader, educator, and pastor. He has played a vital role in understanding and addressing the needs of the Black Belt community. In his upcoming role, he expressed his commitment to maintaining the foundation’s community-driven approach, stating, "The strength of this organization is its people. I don't know of another community foundation that works the way we work — guided by the voice of the people in our community."

As the BBCF enters a new era, the transition in leadership is viewed as an opportunity to reaffirm its mission and continue promoting the development of the Black Belt region. Spencer will officially assume his new role on October 1, 2025. The foundation's ongoing initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life across 12 counties in Alabama by focusing on various sectors, including education, arts, economic development, and health and wellness.

As both Lucky and Spencer prepare for this pivotal shift, the overarching goal remains clear: to empower local communities in shaping their futures, a commitment that stands as a cornerstone of the Black Belt Community Foundation’s ethos.