CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 29, 2025) – The Duke Endowment is pleased to announce that Shaheen Towles has been named its new Director of Communications.
Towles, who joined the Endowment in 2022 as Associate Director of Communications, succeeds Director of Communications Charity Perkins, who is retiring Jan. 31 after nearly 19 years of service to the Endowment.
“I am thrilled to step into this new role, building on the remarkable foundation that Charity has established,” Towles said. “I look forward to continuing my collaboration with the Endowment team to further the important work we are doing to help strengthen and enrich the lives of individuals and communities across the Carolinas.”
Endowment President Rhett Mabry said Towles played a pivotal role in planning and executing a series of special events in 2024 and an integrated communications strategy focused on celebrating the Endowment’s 100th anniversary.
“Since joining the Endowment two years ago, Shaheen has been a key member of our team, consistently demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership,” Mabry said. “Her contributions in overseeing multiple special projects during our centennial year celebration in 2024 stands out as a prime example of her hard work and dedication.”
Prior to joining the Endowment, Towles served for more than 10 years as the first Director of Communications for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) in Winston-Salem, N.C. She built ZSR’s external communications infrastructure, and increased awareness of the Foundation’s mission and core values. She also led the development and implementation of strategic communications plans for ZSR’s grantmaking programs and initiatives.
Perkins joined the Endowment nearly 19 years ago after working in communications at Foundation for the Carolinas. She created communications strategies and practices that strengthened the Endowment’s internal messaging and built its brand externally. More recently, she led the Endowment through its year-long centennial celebration in 2024. The celebration marked the culmination of more than five years of planning.
“Charity has made so many significant contributions to The Duke Endowment,” said Board Chair Charles C. Lucas III. “Her influence will be felt for years to come. All the Trustees and staff are so grateful for her commitment to the mission and work of the Endowment, and we will miss her leadership and wise counsel.”
Perkins’ last day at the Endowment will be January 31.
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Based in Charlotte, N.C., and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has awarded more than $5 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but they are separate organizations.