The Heinz Endowments Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Heinz Endowments has 4 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, legal operations, financial management, and administrative oversight.

Committed to regional prosperity, The Heinz Endowments fosters a vibrant center of creativity, learning, and sustainability. This organization builds a just community where all residents possess meaningful opportunities to thrive.

Leadership Roles at The Heinz Endowments

  • Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer - Michele Battle
  • Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Michele Sullenger
  • General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer - Kimberly Tilghman
  • Chief Technology Officer - Charles Richardson
  • Michele Battle - Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer

    Michele Battle, the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer at The Heinz Endowments, leads the strategic vision and financial health of the organization. Battle directs the allocation of capital toward initiatives that foster creativity and social equity within the region. As the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, Battle manages the endowment portfolio to ensure sustainable funding for long-term community projects. Michele Battle coordinates with the board to define the overarching mission, translating high-level goals into actionable financial plans. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of fiscal reporting and investment strategies to support the foundation's commitment to southwestern Pennsylvania. By balancing budgetary requirements with philanthropic objectives, the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity of the institution. Battle drives the implementation of programs that provide meaningful opportunities for residents to thrive. Through disciplined financial stewardship, Battle ensures the foundation remains a powerful catalyst for regional growth and social progress.

    Michele Sullenger - Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Michele Sullenger, the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at The Heinz Endowments, manages the administrative and fiscal operations essential to the foundation's success. Sullenger directs the accounting departments and financial planning processes, ensuring resources reach critical social and environmental programs. As the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Sullenger oversees the internal audit functions to maintain transparency and accountability in all grant-making activities. Michele Sullenger analyzes regional economic data to inform the foundation's investment strategies, supporting the goal of a vibrant, inclusive community. This role involves managing the administrative infrastructure that allows the staff to execute complex charitable initiatives across southwestern Pennsylvania. By optimizing financial workflows, the Chief Financial Officer improves the speed and accuracy of funding distributions. Sullenger collaborates with other executive leaders to align administrative goals with the broader mission of fostering regional prosperity. Through precise financial management, Sullenger secures the resources necessary for long-term community impact.
    Michele Sullenger

    Kimberly Tilghman - General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer

    Kimberly Tilghman, the General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer at The Heinz Endowments, manages legal compliance and internal business processes. Tilghman oversees the governance framework that guides philanthropic investments, ensuring all activities align with the mission of promoting economic and environmental sustainability. As the General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer, Tilghman directs the daily operations of the foundation, streamlining workflows to maximize the impact of charitable resources. Kimberly Tilghman negotiates complex agreements with regional partners, securing the legal foundation for community-focused projects. This role requires constant coordination with the board to mitigate risk while advancing the vision of an inclusive society. By refining internal policies, the Chief Operating Officer enhances organizational agility across southwestern Pennsylvania. Tilghman provides critical oversight for human resources and facilities management, ensuring the physical and professional environment supports the staff. Through rigorous legal analysis and operational discipline, Tilghman secures the long-term stability of the foundation.

    Charles Richardson - Chief Technology Officer

    Charles Richardson, the Chief Technology Officer at The Heinz Endowments, directs the digital infrastructure supporting regional philanthropic initiatives. Richardson architects secure data systems to track grant impact across southwestern Pennsylvania, ensuring technological alignment with the mission of fostering a vibrant center of learning. By modernizing internal software platforms, the Chief Technology Officer optimizes operational efficiency for staff members managing complex social and environmental projects. Charles Richardson maintains robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive stakeholder information while facilitating seamless collaboration between internal departments. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging digital tools to enhance the reach of charitable programs. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enables data-driven decision-making for the entire organization. Richardson consistently monitors technological trends to ensure the foundation remains at the forefront of digital innovation, ultimately supporting the broader goal of creating a just community where every resident thrives.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

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

    Who leads The Heinz Endowments?
    The Heinz Endowments is led by Michele Battle (Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michele Sullenger (Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Kimberly Tilghman (General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of The Heinz Endowments’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Heinz Endowments includes leaders such as Michele Battle (Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer), Michele Sullenger (Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Kimberly Tilghman (General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer) 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 Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer.