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April 2021: News and Notes from NCFP’s Friends of the Family Network

Friends Focus highlights updates from members of our Friends of the Family network and their work. This month features updates from the Mary Reynolds Babcock FoundationEvelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, Hewlett Foundation, JF Maddox Foundation, and San Francisco Foundation.

Are you a current Friend or Leadership Circle member of NCFP with an update or good news about your foundation that you would like to share with Family Giving News readers? Please email us. Interested in learning more about the families involved in NCFP’s Friends of the Family network? Go here.

The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation Announces Interim CEO

Babcock Foundation trustee Dr. Micah Gilmer has agreed to serve as Interim CEO for the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation. The Board of Directors chose Gilmer to helm the Foundation as it engages in a search for a permanent CEO. He is taking a leave of absence from the board to serve as interim CEO.

Haas, Jr. Fund Welcomes Two New Program Directors

The Evelyn and Haas, Jr. Fund welcomes new program directors to lead its Democracy and Immigrant Rights work. Raúl Macías, the new Democracy Program Director, is a native Californian with a deep commitment to ensuring that our state works for all people. Dan Torres, the new Immigrant Rights Program Director, comes to the Fund with exceptional experience supporting immigrant communities.

Hewlett Foundation Names Charmaine Jackson Mercer as First-ever Chief of Equity and Culture

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has named Charmaine Jackson Mercer, a leader in education, government, philanthropy, and nonprofit arenas, as its first-ever Chief of Equity and Culture. In this newly created senior role, Mercer will oversee external grantmaking related to racial equity, including a new 10-year, $150 million racial justice initiative.

Ellie Frey Zagel Interviews Former JF Maddox CEO Bob Reid

On her podcast, Successful Generations, Ellie Frey Zagel interviews Bob Reid on common misconceptions around family philanthropy, and what it means for the next generation. Bob shares some of his experience and addresses criticisms of family philanthropy when it comes to impact, regulation, and so much more.

San Francisco Foundation Appoints New COO Galen Maness

The San Francisco Foundation announced the appointment of Galen Maness as the organization’s new Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Maness joined the foundation in 2015, and most recently served as its Senior Director of Human Resources and Administration.