Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has 6 executives leading key functions including executive strategy, operational management, human resources, financial oversight, communications, and administrative health services.

Committed to advancing health equity, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation builds a culture of health by addressing systemic barriers and fostering community-driven solutions across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

  • Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer - Nicole Ferris
  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - William Roell
  • Chief Operating Officer - Melvin Galloway
  • Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer - Tracey Wilmot
  • Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications - M. Brooks-LaSure
  • Chief Administrative Officer Morris Cancer Center - Frederick Groves
  • Nicole Ferris - Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer

    Nicole Ferris, the Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, manages high-level strategic initiatives and coordinates executive priorities. Overseeing the daily operations of the executive office, the Director ensures alignment between leadership goals and the broader mission of improving health outcomes. This role involves facilitating communication across departments to streamline decision-making processes. By managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships, Nicole Ferris directly supports the foundation's long-term vision. The Director maintains rigorous standards for organizational efficiency while navigating the evolving landscape of public health. Through careful planning and execution, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer drives the strategic agenda forward, ensuring that all internal efforts remain focused on the core objective of fostering a healthier nation. Ferris provides the necessary structure for leadership to address pressing health care challenges effectively.

    William Roell - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    William Roell, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, manages the financial health and investment strategies that fuel the organization's philanthropic reach. Overseeing fiscal planning, endowment management, and regulatory compliance, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures the foundation maintains the resources necessary to address pressing health care issues. This role involves rigorous oversight of budgetary allocations to support long-term research and community programs. By optimizing financial performance, William Roell secures the capital required for sustained impact across the United States. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer works closely with the Board to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in all operations. Through prudent financial stewardship, Roell mitigates risk while maximizing the availability of funds for critical health initiatives. This position serves as the backbone of the foundation's ability to execute its mission, providing the financial stability needed to drive meaningful change in the health care landscape.
    William Roell

    Melvin Galloway - Chief Operating Officer

    Melvin Galloway, the Chief Operating Officer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, directs the internal infrastructure and operational workflows necessary to sustain large-scale philanthropic impact. Overseeing organizational performance, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to ensure maximum efficiency across all health-focused programs. This leadership role involves integrating cross-departmental processes to support the foundation's mission of addressing systemic health disparities. By refining operational protocols, Melvin Galloway strengthens the foundation's capacity to respond to urgent health care issues. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to maintain accountability and operational excellence. Through strategic oversight of internal systems, Galloway ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to national health needs. This position requires constant collaboration with other executive leaders to align operational capabilities with the overarching goals of the foundation, ultimately securing the stability required for long-term societal change.
    Melvin Galloway

    Tracey Wilmot - Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tracey Wilmot, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, architects the talent strategy and organizational culture required to drive health equity initiatives. Overseeing recruitment, professional development, and employee engagement, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the foundation attracts and retains top-tier experts in public health. This role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse workforce necessary for tackling complex health care challenges. By implementing robust performance management systems, Tracey Wilmot aligns individual contributions with the foundation's mission. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to cultivate leadership pipelines and promote organizational wellness. Through strategic workforce planning, Wilmot strengthens the internal capacity of the foundation to execute its national programs. This leadership function remains vital for maintaining the high standards of excellence expected within the philanthropic sector, ensuring that every team member contributes effectively to the broader goal of improving health.

    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 the narrative strategy and public engagement efforts that amplify the foundation's impact on health policy. Overseeing brand identity and program messaging, the Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications ensures that the foundation's research and initiatives reach key stakeholders and the public. This role involves crafting compelling communications that highlight the urgency of health care issues and the effectiveness of community-based solutions. By managing media relations and digital outreach, M. Brooks-LaSure shapes the public discourse around health equity. The Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications collaborates with program leaders to translate complex data into actionable insights for policymakers. Through strategic storytelling, Brooks-LaSure drives awareness and support for the foundation's mission, ensuring that the organization's voice remains influential in the national conversation regarding health and well-being.

    Frederick Groves - Chief Administrative Officer Morris Cancer Center

    Frederick Groves, the Chief Administrative Officer Morris Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, manages the administrative functions and operational logistics specific to specialized health care facilities. Overseeing facility management, clinical support services, and administrative workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer Morris Cancer Center ensures that the center operates with maximum efficiency to support patient care and research. This role involves coordinating with medical staff and administrative teams to streamline service delivery. By optimizing the operational environment, Frederick Groves enables the center to focus on its core mission of advancing cancer treatment and prevention. The Chief Administrative Officer Morris Cancer Center monitors resource utilization and service quality to maintain high standards of care. Through effective administrative leadership, Groves supports the broader health objectives of the foundation, ensuring that specialized clinical operations remain aligned with the foundation's commitment to improving health outcomes for all individuals facing cancer.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    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 Nicole Ferris (Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as William Roell (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and Melvin Galloway (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 Nicole Ferris (Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer), William Roell (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Melvin Galloway (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have?
    Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has 6 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 Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Communications Officer & Programs Vice President, Communications.