As Chief Philanthropy Officer and Chief Financial Officer, they bring decades of experience to EBCF’s work on behalf of East Bay communities.
Oakland, CA, September 4, 2025 – East Bay Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the addition of two visionary leaders to its team this summer. Janelle Cavanagh and Kaya Hersh will serve as Chief Philanthropy Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. They join Brandi Howard, President and CEO, and Tyson Jue, Chief Operating Officer, to form EBCF’s executive team.
Janelle and Kaya will play key roles in operationalizing EBCF’s vision of an East Bay where everyone has the freedom to dream, heal, and belong.
“These amazing women round out EBCF’s leadership team and position us for increased impact as we approach our 100-year anniversary in 2028,” said Brandi Howard, President and CEO of EBCF. “I am grateful that they have chosen to bring their unique talents to our work of building a better East Bay.”
Read more about our new leaders:
Janelle Cavanagh joins EBCF from the Marin Community Foundation, where she led fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and philanthropic advising for a $3.5 billion institution.
A seasoned executive with a reputation for excellence, Janelle has raised more than $620M in a single fiscal year, launched groundbreaking pooled funds, and built equity-centered strategies that resonate with donors and community partners alike. With over two decades of experience in senior roles at Global Fund for Women, Girls Inc., and United Way, she brings a rare blend of strategic sophistication, fundraising expertise, and joyful leadership.
“As a proud Oakland resident of 25 years, I am grateful for the opportunity to join EBCF and put my skills to work right here in the East Bay,” Janelle said. “These are challenging times, and philanthropy has an essential role to play in resourcing bold leaders and innovative approaches. I’m excited to lead EBCF’s philanthropy team at such a critical moment.”
Kaya Hersh is known for her strategic clarity and operational rigor, with over 25 years of experience leading finance, operations, and compliance across multiple sectors. She has stewarded budgets as large as $900 million, led organizations through private equity-backed sales, and built finance teams grounded in service, transparency, and cultural cohesion.
From the Department of Defense to community-based nonprofits, Kaya has helped CEOs “see around corners,” delivering data-driven insights, mission-aligned strategies, and scalable systems.
“I’m thrilled to join EBCF, where values-driven leadership and community impact are at the heart of everything we do,” Kaya said. “It’s an honor to build sustainable financial systems that support equity and transformation. I’m inspired by the foundation’s commitment to achieving an inclusive, fair, and just East Bay — and proud to contribute to its next chapter.”