Ford Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

Sam Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Ford Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision for this American private foundation. Overseeing the entire grant-making portfolio, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission to support families in need. Sam Smith manages high-level relationships with global stakeholders to maximize the impact of charitable investments. By architecting long-term organizational goals, the Chief Executive Officer drives the foundation toward sustainable community outcomes. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of social trends to refine the focus of philanthropic efforts. Through rigorous oversight of internal departments, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across the New York headquarters. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the foundation's position as a leader in the charitable sector by fostering innovation in social justice programming and ensuring the effective distribution of resources to vulnerable populations.

Beth Susan, the Chief Financial Officer at Ford Foundation, manages the fiscal health and investment strategies of this private foundation. Overseeing the allocation of endowment funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources directly support the core mission of aiding families in need. Beth Susan directs the budgeting process and monitors the economic performance of various grant-making programs. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk while maximizing the capital available for charitable distribution. This leadership role requires close collaboration with the board to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance. Through the optimization of financial reporting systems, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for informed decision-making across the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer sustains the long-term viability of the foundation, ensuring that financial stability remains a cornerstone of the commitment to social impact.

Loraine Priestleysmith, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Secretary at Ford Foundation, governs the complex financial and administrative infrastructure of the organization. Overseeing the treasury functions, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Secretary ensures the secure management of assets dedicated to community support. Loraine Priestleysmith directs the corporate governance processes, maintaining the integrity of the foundation's legal and financial records. By coordinating with the board, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Secretary facilitates efficient decision-making regarding grant-making policies. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the urgent needs of families across the country. Through the oversight of administrative compliance, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Secretary guarantees that all operations adhere to the highest standards of accountability. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Secretary protects the foundation's resources to ensure enduring social change.

Martin Abregu, the Vice- President at Ford Foundation, leads the development and execution of specific programmatic initiatives aimed at social justice and community empowerment. Overseeing the design of grant-making strategies, the Vice- President ensures that resources reach the families and communities that require support the most. Martin Abregu directs the evaluation of program outcomes to measure the effectiveness of the foundation's interventions. By collaborating with external partners and community leaders, the Vice- President identifies emerging needs and adapts the foundation's approach accordingly. This leadership role involves managing a diverse portfolio of projects that address systemic barriers to equality. Through the oversight of program officers, the Vice- President maintains high standards for all charitable activities. Ultimately, the Vice- President drives the foundation's impact by ensuring that every grant contributes to the broader goal of creating a more equitable society for families in need.

Juliet Mureriwa, the Grants & Program Officer & President, Office of at Ford Foundation, manages the lifecycle of grant applications and the strategic direction of the president's office. Overseeing the rigorous vetting process for potential grantees, the Grants & Program Officer & President, Office of ensures that all funding aligns with the foundation's mission to support families in need. Juliet Mureriwa directs the administrative functions of the president's office, facilitating communication and project management for the executive leadership. By analyzing the impact of current grants, the Grants & Program Officer & President, Office of provides critical insights that shape future philanthropic strategies. This leadership role involves balancing the operational needs of the office with the broader goals of the foundation. Through the coordination of grant-making activities, the Grants & Program Officer & President, Office of ensures that resources are deployed effectively to drive meaningful community change.

Taara Rangarajan, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff at Ford Foundation, coordinates the daily operations and strategic initiatives of the executive office. Overseeing the flow of information between departments, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff ensures that the foundation's mission remains the primary focus of all internal activities. Taara Rangarajan directs the implementation of organizational priorities, facilitating seamless communication across the New York headquarters. By managing the executive agenda, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on high-impact grant-making and community support. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex data into actionable plans for the foundation's various programs. Through the optimization of internal workflows, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the entire organization. Ultimately, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff drives operational alignment to support the foundation's commitment to families in need.

Holly Raub, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Ford Foundation, manages the internal infrastructure and operational systems that support the foundation's charitable work. Overseeing human resources, facilities, and organizational technology, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that the staff possesses the tools necessary to execute the mission of supporting families in need. Holly Raub directs the development of administrative policies that promote efficiency and inclusivity within the workplace. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) allows the program teams to focus entirely on grant-making and community engagement. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence and accountability across all departments. Through the management of the foundation's physical and digital assets, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) maintains a stable environment for philanthropic innovation. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides the essential support structure that enables the foundation to achieve its long-term social objectives.