The Skoll Foundation Board of Directors has named Richard Fahey, Skoll Foundation Chief Operating Officer, to the role of Interim President. The Board decided to temporarily suspend the search for a new CEO with the intention to restart later this year. The Foundation Board and staff are deeply appreciative of Sally Osberg, an incredible leader and partner to Jeff and the social entrepreneur community for 17 years. She will continue in her role as Foundation President and CEO through April 30.
Richard will assume his new role on May 1. He brings impressive academic and professional qualifications including 14 years of executive leadership at the Skoll Foundation and an unparalleled knowledge of the Foundation’s strategy and operations. He has invested significant energy into directing the Foundation’s approach to measurement and evaluation, and is deeply engaged in the Foundation’s strategic work with climate change social entrepreneurs and other innovators. He also serves as the key executive staff interface between the Investment Committee and Capricorn Investment Group which manages the Foundation’s endowment.
Prior to joining the Skoll Foundation, Richard spent over a decade with the Hewlett-Packard Company where he held senior finance policy and controller positions. He earned his B.A. at Georgetown University in Economics and History, and his M.B.A at the University of Chicago.
“For fourteen years, Richard partnered with me in leading the Foundation,” said Sally Osberg. “We share a set of fundamental values of service, integrity, and genuine humility in the face of some of the largest and thorniest problems are in the world. We both have a tremendous respect for Jeff and his approach to driving change in the world. Richard’s intellectual curiosity, clarity of vision, passion for impact, deep service ethic, and intensely collaborative spirit all combine to make him the right person at the right moment for this leadership role at the Foundation.”
The Foundation’s mission and strategic focus remain unchanged and continue to guide Foundation Board and staff. At our upcoming Skoll World Forum in April, we will unveil outstanding Awardees for the Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship and celebrate a true global treasure. Our 2019 Awardee selection process and our planning for post-Forum convenings are well underway. Our staff and our commitment to our mission and work have never been stronger.
“Sally and Jeff have created a vital, energetic, and impactful organization, and it was inevitable that there would be a transition,” said Richard Fahey. “With all the momentum we’ve achieved as I’ve worked side by side with Sally for 14 years, it’s our duty and our challenge to continue to propel the foundation forward in the best possible way. I feel the collective energy and deep feeling of responsibility on the part of the Board and staff, and know we can generate even more wins as we embark on this new journey together.”
