Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, human resources, finance, strategy, and communications.

Dedicated to improving health and health care, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation drives impactful initiatives across the nation, fostering a culture of innovation and equitable access to well-being.

Leadership Roles at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - William Roell
  • Chief Operating Officer - Melvin Galloway
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Patrick Delaney
  • President - Richard Besser
  • Chief Information Officer - John Gilliam
  • Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer - Tracey Wilmot
  • Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications - M. Brooks-LaSure
  • William Roell - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    William Roell, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, manages the organization's financial health and fiscal strategy. Roell oversees all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and investment activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This executive position is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the foundation's assets and maximizing their impact on health and health care initiatives. By implementing robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms, William Roell provides critical insights for strategic decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures compliance with all financial regulations and manages relationships with financial institutions. Roell's expertise safeguards the foundation's resources, enabling its continued work to improve the well-being of communities across the nation.
    William Roell

    Melvin Galloway - Chief Operating Officer

    Melvin Galloway, the Chief Operating Officer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, manages the day-to-day administrative and operational functions. Galloway oversees the execution of strategic plans, ensuring that all departments operate efficiently and in alignment with the foundation's objectives. This critical position involves optimizing internal processes, resource allocation, and cross-departmental collaboration to maximize the foundation's impact. By streamlining operations and fostering a culture of accountability, Melvin Galloway drives operational excellence. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to managing facilities, vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. Galloway's leadership ensures the smooth functioning of the foundation, enabling its focus on improving health and health care across the United States.
    Melvin Galloway

    Patrick Delaney - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Patrick Delaney, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, directs operational strategy and execution across key programmatic areas. Delaney oversees the implementation of initiatives designed to improve health and health care outcomes, ensuring efficient resource deployment and project management. This senior leadership role involves close collaboration with other executives to align operational capabilities with the foundation's strategic priorities. By driving operational efficiencies and fostering cross-functional teamwork, Patrick Delaney enhances the foundation's ability to achieve its mission. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes managing complex projects and ensuring that all operational activities support the foundation's commitment to equitable health access. Delaney's leadership ensures the effective delivery of programs impacting communities across the United States.

    Richard Besser - President

    Richard Besser, the President at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. Besser guides the foundation's mission to improve health and health care, setting the vision for programmatic impact and organizational development. This paramount role involves shaping the foundation's long-term strategy, fostering key partnerships, and advocating for policies that advance health equity. By championing innovative approaches and ensuring alignment across all initiatives, Richard Besser drives the foundation's commitment to creating a culture of health. The President's leadership ensures that the foundation remains at the forefront of addressing critical health challenges facing the United States. Besser's stewardship guides the organization's efforts to build a healthier future for all.

    John Gilliam - Chief Information Officer

    John Gilliam, the Chief Information Officer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, directs the organization's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Gilliam ensures the secure and efficient management of data and digital resources critical to the foundation's mission. This leadership role involves architecting scalable technology solutions that support programmatic goals and enhance operational effectiveness across the foundation's initiatives. By implementing advanced cybersecurity measures and optimizing network performance, John Gilliam safeguards sensitive information and facilitates seamless communication. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on leveraging technology to amplify the foundation's impact in addressing pressing health and health care issues nationwide. Gilliam's strategic vision guides the technological evolution necessary for sustained organizational growth and mission fulfillment.

    Tracey Wilmot - Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tracey Wilmot, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, leads all human capital management strategies. Wilmot is responsible for talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a robust and supportive work environment. This executive function cultivates a culture that attracts and retains top talent essential for advancing the foundation's health and health care mission. By developing comprehensive HR policies and programs, Tracey Wilmot enhances employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, fostering an environment where all staff can thrive. Wilmot's strategic oversight of human resources directly contributes to the foundation's capacity to achieve its ambitious goals nationwide.

    M. Brooks-LaSure - Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications

    M. Brooks-LaSure, the Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, directs all internal and external communication strategies. Brooks-LaSure oversees the development and execution of communication plans that amplify the foundation's mission and impact on health and health care. This vital role ensures clear, consistent messaging across all platforms, engaging stakeholders and advancing public understanding of key health issues. By crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations, M. Brooks-LaSure enhances the foundation's visibility and influence. The Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications also leads programmatic efforts related to communication, fostering dialogue and promoting evidence-based solutions. Brooks-LaSure's strategic communication leadership is instrumental in achieving the foundation's ambitious goals nationwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Robert Wood Johnson Foundation?
    Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is led by William Roell (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), along with executives such as Melvin Galloway (Chief Operating Officer) and Patrick Delaney (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation includes leaders such as William Roell (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Melvin Galloway (Chief Operating Officer), Patrick Delaney (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have?
    Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Information Officer.