The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three longtime Foundation leaders to newly created executive positions.
- Dr. Meera Mani, Vice President of Families and Communities
- Dr. Walt Reid, Vice President of Environment and Science
- Felicia Madsen, Chief Communications Officer
As a key Foundation leaders, each will serve as a member of the Executive Team and contribute to realizing the organization’s new vision and goals.
“I am delighted to announce that these three widely respected and exceptional leaders have been promoted to executive positions,” said Nancy Lindborg, President and CEO of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. “Their collective knowledge, creativity, and collaborative approach will be invaluable to the Foundation at this pivotal time as we examine stronger connections across the issues we fund and explore new and different approaches to realizing our vision for a more just and equitable world.”
Meera Mani, Vice President of Families and Communities (she/her)
As the Vice President of Families and Communities, Dr. Meera Mani will oversee the Foundation’s work to promote children’s well-being and support for thriving communities, including our investments in the local Bay Area and throughout California. Mani joined the Foundation in 2009 to lead the early learning and children’s health insurance grantmaking, bringing extensive experience in supporting children, families, and the early childhood education workforce.
During her tenure at the Packard Foundation, Mani founded and co-led a national funder collaborative, Early Childhood Big Bets, aimed at testing and scaling the transformation of pediatric care and the preparation of the early childhood workforce. In California, she has served on Governor Newsom’s Paid Family Leave Task Force, which led to improvements in the current policy. Mani has been recognized by her peers for her commitment to equity, strategic thinking, bold solutions with built-in mechanisms for accountability, and building consensus among diverse constituents toward a common goal.
Walt Reid, Vice President of Environment and Science (he/him)
As the Vice President of Environment and Science, Dr. Walt Reid will lead the Foundation’s investment in climate solutions, ocean conservation, and scientific innovation and discovery. Reid joined the Foundation in 2006 as the Director of the Conservation and Science Program, where he expanded the Foundation’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve understanding and the long-term health of our ocean, and champion scientific discovery. He brings a strong scientific background, a track record of successful leadership, and years of effective partnership with organizations around the world.
During his time at the Packard Foundation, Reid helped create the Climate and Land Use Alliance (CLUA), a donor collaborative focused on ending and reversing tropical deforestation, as well as Climate Breakthrough, a program designed to launch innovative new strategies to address climate change. He led the Foundation’s work to support ocean conservation in China and served on the governing committee of the Policy and Global Affairs Division of the National Research Council and on the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services working group of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
Felicia Madsen, Chief Communications Officer (she/her)
As the Chief Communications Officer, Felicia Madsen will lead a global communications effort that includes strategic communications, media relations, organizational identity, external relations, and internal communications. Madsen will work closely with the Foundation’s grantmaking teams to advance the organization’s mission and vision, and to position the Foundation as a leader in the philanthropic sector as it strives to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.
While at the Packard Foundation, Madsen has played a key role in building the Foundation’s communications function and led the Foundation’s communications efforts around key milestones including its 50th anniversary, opening of its net zero energy headquarters, and developing our new strategic framework. She is a proven leader and a skilled communications strategist who brings over 20 years of experience. Before joining the Foundation, Felicia worked in public affairs, strategic communications, and issue advocacy roles across the non-profit and government spheres.
The Foundation has identified three overarching, interdependent goals that will guide future grantmaking: Protect and Restore Our Natural World, Invest in Families and Communities, and Build Just Societies. In 2023, the Foundation plans to add a Vice President of Just Societies to lead the third goal, working collaboratively with Mani and Reid to implement the Foundation’s new strategic framework.
