The David and Lucile Packard Foundation today announced the selection of Jennifer “J.R.” Littlejohn as the Foundation’s new Vice President of Environment and Science. In her new role, Littlejohn will lead the Foundation’s efforts to advance bold climate solutions, foster a sustainable ocean, and drive scientific innovation and discovery to secure the health and future of people and the planet.
Through her distinguished career as a Foreign Service Officer, Littlejohn brings extensive knowledge of international ocean and climate policy, a deep respect for science, and significant experience in local development gained through her global career. Most recently, she served as Acting Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.
“We are delighted to welcome J.R. to the Packard Foundation,” said Nancy Lindborg, president and CEO of the Packard Foundation. “J.R.’s track record as a leader, her grounding in science and environmental issues, and her experience navigating global issues will be invaluable as we confront the intensifying climate crisis. Her vision and experience will strengthen our ability to create enduring solutions for people and the planet.”
Littlejohn brings extensive international and policy experience to the role, having served across four U.S. Presidential administrations, from George W. Bush to Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Her career spans diplomatic assignments in several countries, including North Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, Brazil, Thailand, and Germany. Notably, during her tenure with the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Littlejohn was the nation’s lead diplomat for environment and science. In this role she worked at the nexus of climate, conservation, ocean, and science policy, advancing solutions that benefit people and nature. She also held leadership roles such as Deputy Director of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff and Director for Central and Northern European Affairs at the National Security Council. Her deep expertise and commitment to public service reflect a career dedicated to advancing U.S. interests and fostering international collaboration on pressing global issues.
In her new role, Littlejohn will represent and support a portfolio of initiatives aimed at advancing enduring solutions. She will oversee three grantmaking initiatives – Global Climate, Climate Innovation, and Ocean – as well as the Foundation’s support for the Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering and the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). She succeeds Walt Reid, who retired as Vice President of Environment and Science in 2024 after more than 18 years with the Foundation.
“I am deeply honored to join the Packard Foundation at such an important time for people and nature,” she said. “Throughout my career, I have seen how collaboration, innovation, and bold thinking can drive solutions that sustain both communities and the planet. The Packard Foundation, and the philanthropic community more broadly, have such a vital role to play in our world today, and I am excited to join this effort.”
Littlejohn holds a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a 2022-2023 International Women’s Forum Leadership Fellow, and the recipient of numerous State Department Superior Honor Awards. Before joining the Foreign Service, Littlejohn was a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow in Berlin, Germany, and a Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellow.
