A Warm Welcome: Introducing Our New Staff Members, Ann & Brendan

Joining the NCCF team: Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Vice President (Left) and Brendan McMorrow, Development Associate (Right)

We’re excited to share that two new team members have joined NCCF! Please join us in welcoming Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Vice President, and Brendan McMorrow, Development Associate. Their experience, and passion will help us continue strengthening NCCF’s mission of serving and supporting the local community. Here’s a little more about Ann and Brendan:

Meet Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Vice President

Ann Rodwell-Lawton joined the New Canaan Community Foundation in August 2025 as Vice President, bringing more than a decade of experience in nonprofit management and leadership.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Ann worked at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center for six years, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she led cross-functional strategic initiatives, enhanced organizational efficiency, and aligned operations with mission-driven objectives, working closely with the finance, development, and direct service teams.

A native of Albany, New York, Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and holds a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College, with a concentration in community organization, planning, and development.

Outside of her professional work, Ann is a licensed Zumba instructor and enjoys teaching and participating in classes. She is also a proud pet parent to two cats, Sassy and Puff.

Meet Brendan McMorrow, Development Associate

Brendan joined the New Canaan Community Foundation as Development Associate in 2025.

Brendan grew up in North Stamford and spent a lot of time in New Canaan, even taking his driver’s test (and passing) in New Canaan Library’s parking lot. After attending Fairfield College Preparatory School, Brendan moved on to Syracuse University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Television, Radio & Film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. 

Post-graduation, Brendan moved to New York and began his career in entertainment at The Late Show with David Letterman. He also served as Supervising Producer at Above Average, a comedy production company founded in 2012 by Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video and as Senior Director of Social Partnerships at Comedy Central.

Brendan enthusiastically joins NCCF in hopes of continuing his passion for storytelling to create connections and drive change.

Please join us in giving Ann and Brendan a warm welcome to NCCF! We’re thrilled to have them on board and can’t wait for the impact they’ll make alongside our community.