Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Names Joseph D. Crocker Director of Operations

Winston-Salem, NC (August 29, 2005) - The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation has named Joseph D. Crocker of Winston-Salem as its Director of Operations. Crocker comes to the foundation from the Wachovia Corporation, which he joined in 1988 and where he has served as Senior Vice President and Carolinas Community Affairs Manager since 2001.

Crocker will be the first person to serve in the position of Director of Operations at the Foundation and will assume his duties on September 15, 2005. Thomas W. Ross, Executive Director, said a comprehensive look at the Foundation’s organizational structure indicated the need for someone to oversee internal operations that include processing 700-1,000 grant applications a year. “Joe’s background in community relations and economic development coupled with his attention to detail make him an ideal choice for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation,” said Ross.

Crocker joined Wachovia in 1988 as an assistant vice president in Hickory and then moved to Charlotte in 1994 as a vice president and manager of community and economic development for Charlotte and the southern region. He became senior vice president and CRA Administrator for the Carolinas in 1997 and moved to Winston-Salem.

“This represents a compelling opportunity for Joe. He has meant so much to Wachovia and to Winston-Salem, and he will be greatly missed,” said Walter McDowell, Wachovia's chief executive officer for the Carolinas region.

Crocker is a native of Kings Mountain, NC. After receiving his BS degree from Western Carolina University in 1974, he moved to Hickory and took a position with First Union National Bank. He also held positions at Southwood Reproductions, Shook & Tarlton Realtors and Southeastern Savings and Loan – all in Hickory. Over the years, he has participated in banking schools and workshops throughout the nation.

Crocker is a former chair of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees and currently serves on the boards of the North Carolina Rural Center, the North Carolina Public School Forum, the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers, and Donors Choose. He is vice chair of the North Carolina Medical Care Commission.

He has served on the boards of the Mint Museum in Charlotte and Catawba Valley Community College and chaired the board of Catawba Memorial Hospital, both in Hickory, NC. He was president of the boards of the Family Guidance Center and the Inter-Faith Housing Development Corporation of Hickory and chaired the Catawba County United Way.

Crocker is a recipient of the Hickory Community Relations Council Outstanding Citizenship Award, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Citizen of the Year Award and the Western Carolina University Alumni Distinguished Service Award. In 2004 he was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Western Carolina University.

He is married to Carol Vaughan Crocker. They have three children, Nathan, Marcella, and Angela.

# # #


For additional information, please contact
Carroll Leggett, Ralph Simpson & Associates
336.761.0711
carroll@ralphsimpson.com