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Humboldt Area Foundation hired Bryna Lipper as the foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer. Lipper is coming to Humboldt County with a master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University and a history in philanthropy: She was the acting director for the Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and later co-founded the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative, serving as the initiative’s senior vice president from 2013 to 2018.

“Lipper was the candidate most qualified to take Humboldt Area Foundation to the next level,” Board Chair Kathryn Lobato said in the release. “Her presentation to the board included very deep and strategic thinking about the Foundation and how we work. Her energy, enthusiasm and experience in managing complexity will be great assets to the Foundation.”

Lobato made the announcement today after a six-month hiring process with more than 90 applicants from across the country. Lipper was among six applicants who were invited to visit and interview with staff in Bayside and the Wild Rivers Community Foundation in Crescent City. Humboldt Area Foundation’s board of directors — who worked closely with staff, community members and local consultants during the hiring process — voted unanimously to hire Lipper.

Read the full press release below: 

Humboldt Area Foundation Selects Bryna Lipper as New Chief Executive Officer

BAYSIDE, CALIF. (June 5, 2019) – Humboldt Area Foundation board chair Kathryn Lobato announced today that the board has chosen Bryna Lipper as its new chief executive officer. The decision came after a six month hiring process which saw more than 90 candidates apply from across the country. Lipper was one of six candidates invited to visit and interview with staff in Bayside and at the Wild Rivers Community Foundation in Crescent City.

“Lipper was the candidate most qualified to take Humboldt Area Foundation to the next level,” said Lobato. “Her presentation to the board included very deep and strategic thinking about the Foundation and how we work. Her energy, enthusiasm and experience in managing complexity will be great assets to the Foundation.”

Lipper holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. Her previous experience in philanthropy includes co-founding the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative and serving as the initiative’s senior vice president from 2013 to 2018. Prior to that Lipper served as acting director for the Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lipper has stated that she is looking for her “forever home” where she can make a long-term commitment and positive impact.

Humboldt Area Foundation’s board of directors worked closely with staff, community members and local consultants throughout the hiring process, eventually reaching a unanimous decision to hire Lipper. Lipper will be moving from the Boston area to Arcata next month and start at the Foundation August 1.

Patrick Cleary, who served as Executive Director of the Foundation for the past six and a half years, will stay on part-time as Director of Community Prosperity and Investments. This new role will involve overseeing investment portfolios and advising and managing complex gifts.

About Humboldt Area Foundation:
Vera Vietor established the Humboldt Area Foundation in 1972. Since then, more than $80 million in grants and scholarships have been awarded in Humboldt, Del Norte, Curry and Trinity Counties. Humboldt Area Foundation promotes and encourages generosity, leadership and inclusion to strengthen our communities.

For more information on services provided by the Foundation please visit the Humboldt Area Foundation website at hafoundation.org or call (707) 442-2993.