OAKLAND, Calif., November 1, 2021 — The East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) Board of Directors appointed Pamela Calloway as interim president and CEO, Mark Friedman as interim board chairperson, and Catherine Chen as chairperson of the executive search committee, effective today. Calloway will serve in the role until a permanent CEO can be identified.
“Our community has gotten to know Pamela during her years of service on our Board, and I am grateful that she is able to serve in this new, interim capacity,” said James W. Head, former EBCF president & CEO. Head announced his departure in January 2021 for health reasons.
Calloway has served on the Board of Directors of the East Bay Community Foundation since 2014. She brings more than two decades of skills and time-tested experience in government, civic, and community services to the role. She has held prior leadership roles with The Bread Project, RDJ Enterprises, Public/Private Ventures, and the Private Industry Council of San Francisco, Inc. Calloway served as District Director for Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and has advised former Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, former San Francisco mayors Willie Brown and Gavin Newsom, and the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud graduate of Fisk University and Georgetown Law Center and is a member of the State Bar of California.
“I’m honored to be in this role and pledge to lead, listen and collaborate with our staff, donors, and community to help address important issues and lay the groundwork for the permanent leader’s success,” said Calloway. “In the time I have in this position, I aim to re-inspire us all to advance a Just East Bay, spark new thinking and innovation, and propel us to even greater impact.”
Mark Friedman replaces Calloway as the interim board chair. Friedman has deep experience working with East Bay community organizations working in health care, education, seniors, disabilities, and safety net services. He is the chief executive officer of the Eden Health District and served as CEO of the Thomas J. Long Foundation and CEO for First 5 Alameda County. Friedman has served on the foundation’s board since 2015.
“The Board of Directors is focused on supporting Pamela and the foundation’s staff as they continue their bold work to advance an inclusive, fair, and just East Bay during the transition,” said Friedman. “The East Bay is home to a rich and diverse history of social and racial justice. I’m proud that East Bay Community Foundation will continue to be part of the work that makes our communities great.”
The Board of Directors has also named Catherine Chen as the head of the executive search committee, replacing Mark Friedman. Chen is Managing Director and Financial Advisor at SRI Wealth Management Group, RBC Wealth Management. She advises nonprofit organizations, foundations, and high net worth individuals on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and impact investing. She joined the EBCF board of directors in 2017.
ABOUT EAST BAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Founded in 1928, and supported by over 400 local donors, the East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) connects donors with community-led movements to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and create an inclusive, fair, and just East Bay. Recognized as 2019’s “Boldest Community Foundation” by Inside Philanthropy, EBCF is committed to ensuring that all members of our community are treated fairly, with equitable opportunity and outcomes. EBCF has charitable assets under management of over $800 million.