Kerry Wood is new CEO of the Foundation

A native Sacramentan with a deep commitment to inspiring philanthropy and building a thriving region, Kerry stepped into a new role at the Foundation on October 31

October 31, 2022

After a nationwide search, we are pleased to announce the selection of Kerry Wood as the Foundation’s next Chief Executive Officer. Kerry assumed her new position on Monday, October 31, following five years of service as the Foundation’s Chief Marketing & Donor Engagement Officer.

She succeeded Linda Beech Cutler, who announced her retirement plans in March, and who is serving as an advisor to Kery and the Foundation through the end of the year.

“Kerry is a dynamic and thoughtful leader who is exactly the right leader for this moment and phase of the Foundation’s lifecycle,” said Kate Stille, Chair of our Board of Directors. “Her unique blend of stellar experience building philanthropic resources — grounded in trust and authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders — extensive community foundation knowledge, deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, passion for serving the capital area and the nonprofit community, and her strategic and collaborative leadership style reflects an ideal combination to elevate the Foundation in every way.”

As a key member of the Foundation’s leadership team for the past five years, Kerry has led all aspects of philanthropic engagement to assure a lasting source of funds for the benefit of the Sacramento region. Before joining the Foundation, she was Director of Advancement for the Crocker Art Museum, Vice President of Resource Development and Communications for the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Executive Director of the Network for California Community College Foundations, and Director at Mercy Foundation. Throughout her 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Kerry has provided innovative solutions to community issues, progressive leadership to grow the capacity and impact of the organizations she has served, and strategic and operational success born of creativity, collaboration, consensus building, and a results-oriented approach. Born, raised, and educated in the region, Kerry lives in Sacramento.

The CEO Search Committee was co-chaired by Kate Stille and Kathy McKim and comprised of other members of our Board including Garry Maisel, Marty Steiner, Gary Strong, Scott Syphax, and Cassandra Walker Pye. 

See our Board of Directors

“It is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to lead the Foundation during this pivotal time in our region and in our world,” said Kerry. “I am proud of the role the Foundation serves in our community today, and I’m excited to work with our talented team, donors, and community partners to continue inspiring philanthropy, strengthening our nonprofit sector, and fostering equitable opportunity for all.”