Kendall Clawson implements the foundation’s leadership cultivation and development strategies, which includes building an ecosystem of connected organizations working for equity and justice. She was most recently the president and chief executive officer of Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington and previously served as the executive director of the American Leadership Forum of Oregon.
As deputy chief of staff for community engagement under Oregon’s Office of the Governor, Kendall oversaw the recruitment of 3,000-plus members of state boards and commissions. Membership for people of color quadrupled to 25 percent and for women doubled to 53 percent by the end of her eight-year tenure.
Kendall holds more than 32 years of nonprofit management and public service experience and her work is rooted in cross-sector collaboration, organizational development, community building, equitable practices, and leadership development. She is deeply involved with several community organizations and boards and serves as an elder care advocate. Kendall loves tennis, travel, art, and is known to talk to every dog she meets.