Celebrating CNE’s Cindy Colson’s Nonprofit Service and Welcoming New Leadership

Posted on by Department of Housing and Community Development

After 26 years of service to the nonprofit sector, 14 of which with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE), Cindy Colson, Deputy Director of Partnerships, Consulting & Impact, will be retiring effective June 30, 2026.

Since Virginia Main Street (VMS) and CNE began their partnership in 2018, Cindy has played a vital role in building and strengthening Main Street nonprofits. If you’ve engaged with either the CNE or VMS, there is no doubt that you’ve felt Cindy’s influence. For the past 8 years, Cindy and the CNE team have provided one-on-one nonprofit support to several VMS communities on topics such as board governance, executive director leadership development, and nonprofit best practices.

Most recently, Cindy partnered with Virginia Main Street to share her expertise in nonprofit leadership, leading 3 Spring Regional Rev Up workshops in 2025 that equipped more than 100 members of the Virginia Main Street network with the tools to build stronger nonprofit organizations in their communities.

The Virginia Main Street team would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Cindy on her well-deserved transition. It’s been an honor to collaborate and build stronger communities alongside the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

Cindy Colson (second from the right) receives a gift from Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and the Virginia Main Street team following the Spring Rev Up in Harrisonburg. (Photo courtesy Blaire Beurglar)

In a departing message to the Virginia Main Street network, Cindy explained her own experience in a Main Street community. Read below:

“Many of you have heard me share how I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Virginia Main Street. When my husband and I moved to Culpeper in 1994, downtown was struggling with vacant storefronts, deteriorating infrastructure, limited economic activity, and a visible presence of illegal activity.”

“Today, Culpeper has become a regional destination that draws visitors from across Virginia and beyond. Our downtown is home to award-winning restaurants, unique local retailers, boutique hotels, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts residents and tourists alike. The remarkable revitalization of our community is a testament to the impact of the Virginia Main Street program and the dedicated local leaders who embraced its vision.”

“As a resident, I am grateful to have experienced this transformation and proud to live in a community that has flourished through the support and guidance of Virginia Main Street.” – Cindy Colson

Though Cindy may be departing, the work of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence is far from over. Beginning July 1, 2026, Erin Reibel, Director of Operations and Programs, will serve as the primary contact for Virginia Main Street. Reibel can be reached at ereibel@thecne.org.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence continues to be a trusted partner of the Virginia Main Street network. All Advancing Virginia Main Street communities receive complimentary membership in the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, along with access to consulting services, educational tools, and organizational resources.

Before you turn to the internet for answers to your nonprofit management questions, be sure to reach out to trusted partners like the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. The organization continually curates trusted, relevant, and high-quality resources to support nonprofit leaders and their organizations.