The Alleghany Foundation, based in Covington, welcomes Ward H. Robens, Jr. as its new interim executive director. Here is a news release from the foundation:

Ward H. Robens, Jr. has been named interim executive director of the Alleghany Foundation.  The appointment comes after the recent death of Elizabeth (Beth) Webb, who had been the organization’s executive director since January 2007.

“Ward’s experience and his knowledge of the community will be very beneficial while we search for a new executive director” says Charles W. Kahle, president of the board of the Alleghany Foundation.  “Beth Webb’s passing is such a great loss to the Foundation; but we are committed to continuing our mission to improve the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands,” he adds.

Robens was executive director of the Alleghany Foundation from June 2005 until January 2007, when Webb was named to that position.  Robens has served on the boards of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the Alleghany County Economic Development Commission, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and other area organizations in past years.

The Alleghany Foundation is a nonprofit foundation based in Covington.  Since its formation in June 1995, it has awarded approximately $29 million to organizations for programs that benefit Alleghany Highlands residents.