A Message from Outgoing Board Chair Andrea Sholler

As a long time board member, and chair for the past four years, I’ve seen up close how the Foundation has partnered with and learned from grantees–and how Mertz Gilmore has evolved in critical ways, including managing for the dramatic impact of the loss of PCH income. 

As a board, we have worked through these changes with strategic planning, taking very seriously the implications our decisions have for our partners, and with the goal of bringing clarity to our future role. This past year, Mertz Gilmore also welcomed five new officers onto the board, bringing a wealth of experience on a range of issues from dance and the performance arts, to community organizing and power building. 

Next month marks another milestone for the Foundation, and for me personally, as I conclude my term as board chair. I am thrilled that this also marks new board leadership, including Surina Khan as the new board chair of the Mertz Gilmore Foundation. I feel such gratitude for Surina’s thoughtful and focused leadership, and I know the entire board and organization will deeply benefit from her experience leading organizational change in philanthropy as we navigate this time of attacks on our sector and communities across the country.

As Surina reflected, “I am grateful to have learned so much already from my time on the Mertz Gilmore board, from Andrea and the rest of the board. I could not be more excited to continue supporting our president Aditi Vaidya’s vision as she brings us forward in ways that are impactful and that are woven in with the needs of the field. I’m looking forward to partnering with her, and with other funders and grantee partners as we move through these uncertain times, but with absolute clarity about our values and commitment to justice.” 

This is an important time to see things for what they are, and to understand all of the levers of change available to us. We are excited about the expertise, experience and alignment this board holds, and for all that will be possible for the board and staff and our incredible partners to accomplish in the months, years, and decades ahead.