Gerbode Foundation Announces its new Executive Director

On behalf of the Gerbode Foundation’s Board of Directors, it is our great pleasure to announce that, after an extensive executive search managed by Azzani Search Consultants, Aimee Sueko Eng will be our new Executive Director effective September 5, 2023. Aimee comes to the Foundation with over 15 years of significant leadership experience, management and grantmaking expertise, and a deep understanding of the philanthropic and non-profit communities in the Bay Area.

Aimee served as the Vice President of Programs at the Thomas J. Long Foundation, where she played an instrumental role in developing and leading a multi-year strategy to sunset the foundation’s $90 million grantmaking program and operations in 2018. During her tenure, Aimee collaborated with foundation leaders, grantees, and community partners to launch more than ten transformative, large-scale initiatives and private/public partnerships in the East Bay. Aimee also served as the elected District 2 School Board Director of the Oakland Unified School District for 8 years and as Board President in 2018 and 2019. In those roles, she navigated the district through financial challenges and worked to restore sound fiscal management. Aimee will transition to the Foundation from her current role as Director of Strategy and Education Partnerships at the California Children’s Trust, where she builds the capacity of school district leaders and grassroots advocates across the state to untap public funds for student mental health services. Read more about Aimee here.

“I am excited to carry on the Gerbode Foundation’s legacy and deep commitment to trust-based philanthropy and bold, innovative giving pioneered by its founder, Martha Gerbode. I am eager to work alongside trustees, grantees, community stakeholders, and philanthropic partners to cultivate creativity and advance social change in the Bay Area and Hawaii, two places which I am deeply committed to and passionate about given my multi-generational family ties.”

The Board of Directors and staff would like to thank long-time President Stacie Ma’a for her deep commitment to the Foundation for the past 24 years and for her guidance and leadership during this time of transition.

Please join us in welcoming Aimee as we usher in an exciting new chapter for the Foundation.