Clarke Brings Philanthropic, Business and Mission Investing Experience
SEATTLE, WA—Philanthropy Northwest, the regional network of philanthropic grantmakers, named Jeff Clarke as its CEO today. Clarke will provide strategic leadership for the board and staff and work closely with regional philanthropists and national partners to promote and facilitate effective, collaborative grantmaking in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
"We are thrilled to have Jeff join Philanthropy Northwest as our next CEO. Philanthropy Northwest has tremendous momentum right now. Jeff brings the broad and deep relationships that will fuel us through the next phase of our growth. Even better, he's already part of the family and will hit the ground running at full speed," says Sue Coliton, Philanthropy Northwest's board chair.
Clarke is currently a senior advisor with The Giving Practice, Philanthropy Northwest's consulting division.
Prior to joining The Giving Practice, Clarke served as interim president and CEO of Council on Foundations, a national leadership role which immediately followed his ten years as vice president at Rasmuson Foundation, a family foundation in Alaska. Clarke served seven years on the Philanthropy Northwest board of directors including two as board chair, and was a co-founder of Mission Investors Exchange, where he served as national co-chair. Prior to joining the philanthropic sector, Clarke worked in management consulting, technology services and Olympic sports as a director / coach of the U.S. Ski Team. He has a B.A. from Middlebury College, an M.B.A. from F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College and an M.A. in Organizational Management from Fielding Graduate University.
Clarke says, "The Pacific Northwest is a special place—home to a thriving, diverse philanthropic community whose work deeply respects the people and places they serve. It is an honor to continue to serve the Philanthropy Northwest network as chief executive officer. I look forward to working with all of our members and partners to continue building a vibrant community dedicated to deep reflection, learning and experimentation."
Clarke, an active civic leader in Anchorage, currently serves on the Alaska Public Media board, is a volunteer advisor of the Scotty Gomez Foundation and Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club member. A co-founder and former board member of the Anchorage Park Foundation, he previously chaired the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Commission and Food Bank of Alaska board; served as an executive team member of the United Way Community Assessment Program; a Leadership Anchorage mentor; and as an officer for the Mid Hillside Community Council.
Clarke replaces outgoing CEO Carol Lewis, who is retiring after 8 years. Lewis will join The Giving Practice as a consultant, and continue to work with the Philanthropy Northwest community.
Lewis says, "I can't imagine a better person to write the next chapter at Philanthropy Northwest. I've worked alongside Jeff for my entire time here as a board member, a peer, a consultant and a friend. His wisdom, energy and strong community connections are exactly the right foundation upon which to build our future. I can't wait to work with him as I move onto The Giving Practice consulting team."
About Philanthropy Northwest
Philanthropy Northwest is a community of grantmakers and philanthropists working in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Founded in 1976, we promote, facilitate and drive collaborative action by philanthropic organizations to strengthen communities in our region. Our diverse membership network includes over 170 family, corporate, private and public foundations from across the region and around the country, including Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Seattle, WA), Raikes Foundation (Seattle, WA), The Seattle Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation (Anchorage, AK), The Ford Family Foundation (Medford, OR) and First Interstate BancSystem Foundation (Billings, MT).
Philanthropy Northwest press release