Meet Our Team
Together, We Make Change Happen
Our board of directors, committee chairs, donors, and volunteers are united by a shared commitment to alleviating poverty and creating lasting opportunities. Each person brings their own expertise, passion, and perspective, strengthening our ability to support innovative leaders and high-impact organizations around the world.
The photo from our most recent Annual Meeting captures the spirit of this collaboration. It reflects what makes Project Redwood unique: a community of GSB alumni who not only pool resources but also roll up their sleeves, share ideas, and work side-by-side to drive meaningful, sustainable change.
Board of Directors
Committees and Chairs
Grant Review
The Grant Review Committee evaluates nonprofits and project proposals that align with Project Redwood’s mission and funding priorities. Over a focused four-month review period, committee members review materials, participate in interviews, and engage in committee discussions to identify the most promising organizations and initiatives.
The committee carefully vets each proposal and provides recommendations to the Board on the funding opportunities best positioned to create meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Co-Chairs:
- Claudia Lindsey ’80
- Rusty Gaillard ’01
Grantees and Sponsors
The Committee of Grantees and Sponsors strengthens communication between grantees and their sponsors. Sponsors help ensure clear understanding of Project Redwood’s grant requirements and reporting expectations, while also fostering connections across our grantee community.
The committee creates opportunities for grantees to collaborate, share best practices, and learn from one another through virtual confidential discussions on topics of common interest.
Co-Chairs:
- Gail Schulze ’80
- Dan Judd ’19
Evaluation and Impact
The Evaluation and Impact Committee oversees grantee reporting. They review reports, evaluate project effectiveness, and report to the Board. The goals grantees identify in their applications become the basis for measuring their success.
By assessing outcomes against original goals, the Committee ensures Project Redwood’s grant dollars create meaningful, lasting impact. They also identify insights that strengthen future grant making and deepen our understanding of what drives success.
Co-Chairs:
- Laura Fratt ’88
- Joe Hamby ’80
- Leanne Scott ’20
Welcome and Engagement
The Welcome and Engagement Committee connects with every new Project Redwood member to help them find the roles that best match their interests and skills. Through one-on-one conversations, the committee introduces members to our work, fosters early engagement, and supports a smooth transition into the organization.
The committee also strengthens our partnership with the Stanford GSB, helping Project Redwood advance the school’s mission to “Change Lives, Change Organizations, Change the World.”
Co-Chairs:
- Rick Agresta ’80
- Gelila Bekele ’21
Development
The Development Committee works year round to secure the resources that sustain Project Redwood’s mission. Through outreach, stewardship, and donor engagement, the committee raises the funds needed to support our grantees and deepen our impact.
Their work ensures that Project Redwood can continue investing in promising projects, because without funding, our mission cannot be realized.
Chair:
- Ritchie Geisel ’73
Communications, Marketing and Technology
The Communications and Technology Committee shapes how Project Redwood shares its work and supports its virtual operations.
The committee develops and implements strategies that strengthen our message, highlight the impact of our grantees, and maintain clear, consistent communication across the organization. It also ensures that the tools and systems we rely on function smoothly, enabling efficient collaboration and effective outreach in support of our mission.
Chair:
- Beth Charlesworth ’83
United States Poverty Task Force
The United States Poverty Task Force serves as a platform for building awareness in Project Redwood of the impact of poverty in the United States and the challenges facing communities nationwide. The task force also seeks out organizations working to address poverty in the United States that might qualify for a Project Redwood grant.
Chair:
- Carla Williams ’80
People
The People Committee identifies and recommends Officers, new Board Members, and Committee Co-Chairs; assists committee chairs in finding, training and building a pipeline for committee members to take on future roles; and supports volunteer engagement and recognition across Project Redwood.
Co-Chairs:
- Ken Inadomi ’80
- Donna Allen ’80
Finance
The Finance Committee works to ensure Project Redwood’s financial health. It develops and oversees the systems needed for accurate financial reporting and sound management in support of our mission and strategic goals.
Co-Chairs:
- Bill Houston ’94
- Mike Watt ’80
Donors and Volunteers
We are deeply grateful to the individuals who give their time, talent, and resources to advance our shared mission of fighting poverty and building opportunity. Click below to see the people who have made this work possible.
Let’s Talk!
Curious to learn more about Project Redwood? Connect with a fellow GSBer to see how you can put your skills to work.