MIDDLEBURY — The Orton Family Foundation has named David Leckey as its executive director, foundation founder and chairman Lyman Orton announced.

Leckey will oversee and expand the organization’s Heart & Soul Community Planning program and other initiatives.

Leckey, 57, has experience in the education, nonprofit, government and private sectors.

Leckey replaces Bill Roper, who left the Foundation last spring.

Leckey comes to Vermont from Minneapolis, Minn., where he served as executive vice president of Dane Technologies and president of its subsidiary, LEVO USA, a combined $20 million company, where he developed new products and domestic and international distribution channels.

His community involvement includes serving as head of the nonprofit Southwest Minnesota Initiative Fund, and then as Gov. Arne Carlson’s main liaison with Minnesota community stakeholders. He also served as deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development.

“I understand — because I was on the ground with residents — the profound impact that citizen engagement, participation and hope has on the spirit and future of rural small towns,” Leckey said. “I believe in the synergistic power generated by the integration of local businesses, citizens, organizations and government to create thriving communities.”

Through its Heart & Soul Community Planning program, the Orton Family Foundation partners with small cities and towns to discover the places and qualities in order to build on each community’s special strengths.