Former Turlock Mayor John Lazar will use his decades of public service expertise for philanthropic endeavors as he recently joined the Stanislaus Community Foundation Board of Directors.

The Foundation oversees more than 100 charitable funds and manages more than $19 million in assets, providing customized philanthropic solutions with flexibility for donors, nonprofit organizations and the community. Since its inception in 2002, Stanislaus Community Foundation has distributed more than $11 million in grants and scholarships to the local community.

Lazar, a Realtor with Century 21 M&M Associates, served eight years as Mayor of Turlock, 14 years on the Turlock City Council and several years on multiple state and county boards and commissions. He continues to contribute to the community as a member of the Emanuel Medical Center Governing Board, the We Care Program Board of Directors and the Rotary Club of Turlock.

Joining Lazar on the Stanislaus Community Foundation Board is Chris Tyler, a portfolio manager and equity research analyst for Great Gable Partners, a Bay Area hedge fund, and the Managing Partner of Terravest Capital Partners. Tyler has served as Deputy Chief of Staff for California State Senate District 12, City of Modesto Planning Commissioner, Board Member of Modesto’s State Theatre, co-founder and treasurer of the Miracle League of Stanislaus County, and member of the President’s Advisory Council at Stanislaus State.

 “The Board is eager to have Chris Tyler and John Lazar join us in 2016,” said Jeff Grover, chairman of the Board. “Both bring broad life experience, wisdom and strong networks to our organization. John has been integral to the success that the Turlock community has experienced and Chris’s understanding of the financial services landscape will be invaluable.”

 “It’s important for our Board of Directors to have a connection in the community so they not only further connections but also get the word out about what the Stanislaus Community Foundation does,” said Jessica Irish, Philanthropic Services & Marketing officer for the Stanislaus Community Foundation.

 “Both are leaders in the community and know the right people to speak with about what our organization is all about and can assist in getting support,” said Irish. “Whether that’s donation based or assisting in partnering with different organizations throughout the community.”

Irish added, that most of all, they connect donors.

“We give them a way to give charitably without having to start their own foundation,” she said. “It’s an easy way for them to give to nonprofits that are near and dear to their hearts.”