Ford Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ford Foundation has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, grant-making oversight, administrative infrastructure, and organizational leadership.

Committed to social justice and community support, Ford Foundation advances human welfare through targeted grant-making initiatives that empower families and address systemic inequality across global landscapes.

Leadership Roles at Ford Foundation

  • Chief Financial Officer - Mai-Anh Tran
  • Vice- President - Martin Abregu
  • President - Kathryn Fuller
  • Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff - Taara Rangarajan
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Holly Raub
  • Mai-Anh Tran - Chief Financial Officer

    Mai-Anh Tran, the Chief Financial Officer at Ford Foundation, directs all fiscal operations and long-term investment strategies. Managing the endowment assets, the Chief Financial Officer ensures sustainable funding for diverse grant-making programs. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of budgetary allocations and financial reporting standards to maintain institutional integrity. By optimizing capital distribution, Mai-Anh Tran directly impacts the capacity of the organization to support families in need. Furthermore, Tran collaborates with the Board to align financial performance with the core mission of social justice. Through precise fiscal planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for impactful community interventions. Maintaining transparency in all financial dealings, Tran upholds the reputation of the foundation while driving efficiency across all departments. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation required for achieving broad, systemic change in the charitable sector.

    Martin Abregu - Vice- President

    Martin Abregu, the Vice- President at Ford Foundation, directs the strategic implementation of grant-making programs focused on social justice and human rights. Overseeing regional initiatives, the Vice- President ensures that resources reach communities facing significant economic barriers. This leadership role involves evaluating the impact of various charitable projects and refining methodologies to maximize positive outcomes. By fostering partnerships with local organizations, Martin Abregu expands the reach of the foundation into diverse geographic areas. Abregu also provides guidance to program officers, ensuring that all grant activities remain consistent with the mission of supporting families in need. Through careful analysis of social trends, the Vice- President identifies emerging opportunities for intervention. Abregu maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that every grant contributes to lasting systemic change. Ultimately, the Vice- President drives the programmatic success of the foundation through dedicated leadership and strategic vision.

    Kathryn Fuller - President

    Kathryn Fuller, the President at Ford Foundation, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire organization. Overseeing the global mission, the President ensures that all grant-making activities remain focused on the core objective of supporting families in need. This leadership role involves representing the foundation to external stakeholders, including government bodies and international partners. By setting the tone for the organizational culture, Kathryn Fuller promotes values of equity and social justice. Fuller also works closely with the Board to define long-term goals and evaluate the effectiveness of major initiatives. Through decisive leadership, the President navigates complex social landscapes to maximize the impact of the foundation. Fuller maintains a commitment to transparency and excellence in all charitable endeavors. Ultimately, the President drives the strategic growth of the organization, ensuring that the foundation continues to address the most pressing challenges facing communities today.

    Taara Rangarajan - Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff

    Taara Rangarajan, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff at Ford Foundation, coordinates executive workflows and cross-departmental initiatives. Overseeing internal communications, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff ensures alignment between leadership objectives and daily grant-making activities. This role involves managing complex projects that span multiple regions, facilitating seamless cooperation among senior staff members. By streamlining decision-making processes, Taara Rangarajan enhances the overall agility of the organization. Rangarajan also monitors the execution of strategic priorities, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the overarching goal of reducing inequality. Through effective management of the executive office, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff fosters a culture of accountability and excellence. Rangarajan maintains focus on high-level organizational goals while addressing immediate operational challenges. Ultimately, the Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff drives the internal momentum required to sustain the mission of the foundation.

    Holly Raub - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Holly Raub, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Ford Foundation, manages the internal infrastructure and operational systems that support the entire organization. Overseeing human resources, facilities, and information technology, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that all staff members possess the tools necessary for effective grant-making. This role involves optimizing administrative workflows to increase productivity and reduce overhead costs. By implementing robust operational policies, Holly Raub maintains a secure and efficient environment for all employees. Raub also coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align administrative support with the broader strategic goals of the foundation. Through the modernization of internal systems, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) enhances the ability of the organization to respond to complex challenges. Raub focuses on creating a resilient workplace culture that values innovation and accountability. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides the essential operational backbone that allows the foundation to pursue its mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ford Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ford Foundation?
    Ford Foundation is led by Mai-Anh Tran (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Martin Abregu (Vice- President) and Kathryn Fuller (President).
    Who is part of Ford Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ford Foundation includes leaders such as Mai-Anh Tran (Chief Financial Officer), Martin Abregu (Vice- President), Kathryn Fuller (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ford Foundation have?
    Ford Foundation has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ford Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ford Foundation includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice- President, President, Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).