The Heinz Endowments Executive and Leadership Team

Michele Battle, the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer at The Heinz Endowments, manages the overall organizational strategy and fiscal health. Battle oversees the allocation of endowment funds to maximize social, economic, and environmental impact across the region. As the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, Battle coordinates with the Board to ensure alignment between philanthropic goals and financial sustainability. This leadership role involves directing large-scale initiatives that promote community inclusion and economic growth. Michele Battle maintains rigorous oversight of budgetary compliance and investment performance. By balancing long-term asset growth with immediate community needs, the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for regional prosperity. Battle also represents the organization in high-level partnerships, driving collaborative efforts to address systemic challenges. Through disciplined financial management and strategic vision, the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization remains a cornerstone of progress for all residents.

Michele Sullenger, the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at The Heinz Endowments, directs the daily financial operations and administrative functions. Sullenger manages the accounting systems, internal audits, and financial reporting processes that underpin the organization's charitable activities. As the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Sullenger ensures the accuracy of fiscal data used for strategic decision-making. This leadership role involves overseeing the treasury functions and managing relationships with external financial partners. Michele Sullenger implements cost-control measures that preserve capital for core mission-driven initiatives. By providing detailed financial analysis, the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer enables the leadership team to evaluate the effectiveness of various community investments. Sullenger also monitors compliance with tax regulations and internal financial policies. Through rigorous attention to detail and fiscal stewardship, the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer supports the organization's capacity to foster a just and thriving community.

Kimberly Tilghman, the General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer at The Heinz Endowments, manages legal compliance and internal operational workflows. Tilghman architects the governance frameworks that guide grant-making activities and organizational policy. As the General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer, Tilghman ensures that all programs adhere to regulatory standards while advancing the mission of regional sustainability. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to improve organizational agility. Kimberly Tilghman oversees the legal aspects of complex partnerships and community investments, mitigating risk while fostering innovation. By optimizing operational efficiency, the General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer supports the staff in delivering impactful social programs. Tilghman also facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to ensure that internal operations reflect the values of inclusion and equity. Through meticulous legal oversight and operational discipline, the General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer maintains the structural integrity required to support the organization's long-term commitment to southwestern Pennsylvania.

Charles Richardson, the Chief Technology Officer at The Heinz Endowments, directs the digital transformation and information systems strategy. Richardson architects scalable cloud infrastructure to support the organization's philanthropic data management and grant-making processes. By modernizing internal platforms, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the efficiency of regional outreach programs. This leadership role involves securing sensitive data while providing robust analytical tools for the program staff. Charles Richardson ensures that technological investments align with the broader mission of fostering a vibrant, sustainable community. Through the implementation of advanced cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Technology Officer protects the integrity of digital assets. Richardson also collaborates with the executive team to integrate data-driven insights into long-term strategic planning. By optimizing technical workflows, the Chief Technology Officer enables the organization to scale impact across southwestern Pennsylvania, ultimately driving innovation in the charitable sector through superior digital capabilities.