Pam David to Step Down as W&EHF Executive Director
The Board of Trustees of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund has announced that Executive Director Pam David will step down at the end of 2017, bringing her successful 15-year tenure to a close. During Ms. David’s stewardship, the vision and legacy of Walter and Elise Haas was enhanced and expanded for a new generation of trustees and residents of the continually evolving Bay Area.
Leading by Example
During her tenure as Executive Director, Ms. David built upon the Fund’s commitment to collaborative partnerships and community initiatives that continue to improve lives in the Bay Area and beyond. Under her leadership, the Fund launched an effective program area addressing economic security for the working poor, continued its commitment to public education, celebrated the Creative Work Fund’s 20th anniversary, and supported innovation in the Jewish community. Additionally, a $1 million annual Safety Net fund was created, helping communities respond to urgent food access and shelter needs. The Fund also played a leadership role in strengthening the capacity of anchor institutions in low-income neighborhoods to respond to disaster.
Ms. David’s ability to bridge the gulf between the nonprofit, philanthropic, and government sectors increased the Fund’s effectiveness and reach at every level. Of particular note, she served as a board member and chair of Northern California Grantmakers and provided leadership to HOPE SF, San Francisco’s signature initiative to improve the lives of public housing residents.
Inspired to Make a Difference
Board chair William Goldman, a fourth-generation descendant of Walter and Elise Haas, said, “We have benefitted greatly from Pam’s ability to facilitate difficult conversations, find common ground, and build effective cross-sector partnerships. While Pam will step down at the end of this year, we know she will continue to offer her leadership and experience to benefit the social good. We applaud and honor all she has achieved as she approaches this next phase of her career.”
Pam David, speaking of her departure, said, “I have had the immense honor of working with three generations of Haas family trustees and a staff that defines the word ‘excellence.’ I am grateful for the Trustees’ leadership, their critical support, and their enduring commitment.”
Ms. David will serve as Executive Director of the Haas Sr. Fund until the end of December 2017. The trustees have begun planning for this important leadership transition and have launched a comprehensive search for her successor.
About the Walter & Elise Haas Sr. Fund
The San Francisco Bay Area’s Walter & Elise Haas Fund works to ensure access and create opportunity. Its support of a healthy, just, and vibrant society focuses on the arts, economic security, education, Jewish life, and safety net services that benefit people on the margins. The Fund was established in 1952.
