East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) is pleased to welcome back a familiar leader to help guide the Foundation through this next phase. Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, Pamela Calloway will serve as full-time Interim President and CEO while the Board of Directors continues its search for the Foundation’s next permanent leader. This follows Brandi Howard’s decision to step down after nearly four years as President and CEO.
Xavier Morales, who has served as Interim President and CEO since Brandi’s departure, will continue as Board Chair and meet regularly with Pamela to ensure a smooth transition. “It has been my honor to serve as Interim President and CEO until we could identify the next leader to guide EBCF through this transition,” said Xavier. “The Board is confident that Pamela is that leader.”
Pamela’s history with EBCF runs deep. She served on the Board for many years, including as Board Chair, and led the Foundation as Interim President and CEO from November 2021 to January 2023. During her tenure, EBCF’s work continued at full force. The team launched a new brand, revised our Investment Policy Statement to reflect our commitment to racial justice, and granted nearly $500,000 to organizations spearheading COVID-19 education and outreach efforts.
Much of Pamela’s career has been spent in East Bay workforce and economic development, including as a consultant to Oakland Thrives and the Rise East Initiative, executive director of The Bread Project, a member of the Port of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, and as District Director for former Congresswoman Barbara Lee. An attorney with more than two decades of leadership experience in government, private-sector, civic life, and community service, she is also a graduate of Fisk University and Georgetown University Law Center. We are so glad to welcome Pamela back.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the amazing EBCF staff and Board again during this time of executive transition,” said Pamela. “As EBCF prepares for its Centennial in 2028, maintaining a strong, impactful organization that provides outstanding service to the communities of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties is essential. I’m eager to contribute to our continued progress and help ensure the success of the Foundation’s next CEO.”
Pamela will not seek the permanent CEO role at EBCF. Her focus will be on providing steady leadership, which will allow the Board to lead a comprehensive search for the Foundation’s next President and CEO. We will share more as the search develops.
Pamela’s years with the Foundation mean that she knows our work, our donors, and our partners well. EBCF’s grantmaking, philanthropic partnerships, and day-to-day work continue without interruption, in close partnership with the Executive Leadership Team.
We are grateful to our donors, partners, and community for your continued trust, and to Pamela for stepping up again for the Foundation. Together, we will continue to care for, and fight for, a more just and equitable East Bay.