Longtime supporter and former board leader Cathy Bernard (pictured back row in blue above) has been recognized by the Greater Washington Community Foundation as the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year, applauding her tireless efforts to strengthen nonprofits across Montgomery County. Her influence spans education, the arts, and social services—but nowhere is her impact more profound than at Ivymount, where she has championed opportunities for children and young adults with developmental disabilities for more than four decades.
Read the Bethesda Magazine profile of award winner Cathy Bernard
A Visionary Partner in Ivymount’s Growth
Bernard’s involvement began in 1984 when she met Ivymount’s founding director, Shari Gelman, who dreamed of consolidating programs into one campus. Bernard brought the expertise and connections to make that vision real—negotiating construction costs, securing county and state funding, and personally contributing to the first two phases of the building project.
Bernard joined Ivymount’s Board in 1992, heading the Property Committee before serving as President from 2003 to 2009. After leaving the presidency, she remained deeply involved—bringing VIP guests to campus, advising on capital developments, and attending galas, graduations, and art shows. She once said, “Once you come into the hallways of Ivymount, you are hooked,” living those words through service and steadfast advocacy.
A Legacy of Leadership
In addition to her work here, Bernard founded The Bernard Family Foundation in 2005 and supports organizations such as Strathmore and Imagination Stage. She also launched a networking group for women nonprofit and business leaders and continues hands-on service, from food delivery to advocacy for cancer research.
Ivymount is profoundly grateful for Cathy Bernard’s extraordinary support and wise stewardship. Her dedication—driven by empathy and action—ensured students have access to exceptional learning environments and deeply rooted community resources.
Scroll through our Six Decades of Ivymount page for stories about Cathy and others who are influential in Ivymount’s history.
