Shannon Cofield

The Mercy Foundation board of directors announced it has appointed Shannon Cofield as the foundation’s new president. Cofield, currently the chief of staff to Drake University President Marty Martin, will begin her new job in late September. She succeeds former foundation President Shannon Duval, who earlier this year was appointed president of the Catholic Health Initiatives Foundation. Before joining Drake in 2012, Cofield was president of United Way of Central Iowa for eight years. During her time at United Way, the organization increased its revenues by 40 percent despite challenging economic conditions. “Her commitment to service is consistent with Mercy’s mission, values and vision to provide a remarkable Mercy experience for everyone we are privileged to serve,” foundation Board Chair Brian Johnson said in a release. “She is a perfect fit for this important leadership role at Mercy.”