The Heinz Endowments Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Heinz Endowments has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, and legal affairs.

Driven by a commitment to fostering a thriving region, The Heinz Endowments champions creativity, learning, and sustainability, aiming to build a just community where all residents have opportunities to succeed.

Leadership Roles at The Heinz Endowments

  • Chief Executive Officer - Diamonte Walker
  • General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer - Kimberly Tilghman
  • President - Franco Harris
  • Chief Technology Officer - Charles Richardson
  • Diamonte Walker - Chief Executive Officer

    Diamonte Walker, the Chief Executive Officer at The Heinz Endowments, directs the organization's overarching strategy and vision. Walker guides the foundation's commitment to fostering southwestern Pennsylvania as a vibrant center for creativity, learning, and sustainability. This leadership role involves ensuring all initiatives align with the core mission of building a just community where every resident can thrive. Walker oversees the strategic allocation of resources to support social, economic, and environmental progress across the region. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on driving impactful change and expanding opportunities for all individuals. By setting the strategic direction, Diamonte Walker ensures the foundation's work directly addresses community needs and promotes equitable development. This involves cultivating strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders to amplify the foundation's reach and effectiveness. The Chief Executive Officer's leadership is central to achieving the Endowments' ambitious goals for regional prosperity and inclusion.

    Kimberly Tilghman - General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer

    Kimberly Tilghman, the General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer at The Heinz Endowments, manages both the legal framework and the operational execution of the foundation's activities. Tilghman ensures strict adherence to legal compliance and oversees the efficient management of organizational resources. This dual role involves providing expert legal counsel on all matters affecting the foundation while simultaneously directing day-to-day operations to support strategic objectives. The General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer plays a vital part in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the foundation's programs. Kimberly Tilghman's leadership ensures that the organization operates smoothly and ethically, supporting its mission to foster creativity, learning, and sustainability in southwestern Pennsylvania. This includes managing administrative functions, human resources, and facilities to create a productive work environment. The Chief Operating Officer's oversight guarantees that operational strategies directly contribute to the vision of a just community where all can thrive.

    Franco Harris - President

    Franco Harris, the President at The Heinz Endowments, leads the organization's strategic direction and external engagement. Harris champions the foundation's mission to cultivate southwestern Pennsylvania as a hub for creativity, learning, and sustainability. This executive position involves fostering key relationships with community leaders, partners, and stakeholders to advance the vision of a just community. The President's role is central to driving initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental well-being across the region. Franco Harris's leadership ensures that the foundation's efforts are aligned with the goal of creating meaningful opportunities for all residents. By guiding the organization's strategic priorities, the President enhances the foundation's capacity to effect positive and lasting change. This includes advocating for policies and programs that support equitable development and community prosperity. The President's influence extends to shaping the narrative around regional progress and inclusion.

    Charles Richardson - Chief Technology Officer

    Charles Richardson, the Chief Technology Officer at The Heinz Endowments, architects the technological infrastructure supporting the organization's mission. Richardson drives innovation in digital platforms and data management to enhance operational efficiency and program impact. This role involves overseeing the implementation of advanced technological solutions that facilitate the foundation's work in creativity, learning, and sustainability. The Chief Technology Officer ensures robust cybersecurity measures and data integrity, safeguarding sensitive information. Richardson's expertise is critical in leveraging technology to advance social, economic, and environmental goals within southwestern Pennsylvania. By optimizing technological resources, Charles Richardson empowers the foundation to better serve the community and expand opportunities for all residents. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic vision for technology integration supports the broader objective of building a just and thriving region. This includes exploring emerging technologies that can accelerate progress and create new avenues for community development.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Heinz Endowments Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Heinz Endowments?
    The Heinz Endowments is led by Diamonte Walker (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kimberly Tilghman (General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer) and Franco Harris (President).
    Who is part of The Heinz Endowments’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Heinz Endowments includes leaders such as Diamonte Walker (Chief Executive Officer), Kimberly Tilghman (General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer), Franco Harris (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Heinz Endowments have?
    The Heinz Endowments has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Heinz Endowments’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Heinz Endowments includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer.