The systems innovator, strategic thinker, and people-focused leader joins the Foundation during a critical time of growth, bringing a decorated career in finance, operations, technology, and affordable housing.
Seattle, WA – This May, Seattle Foundation will welcome Josephine Wong as its Chief Financial Operating Officer (CFOO). In her new role and as a member of the Leadership Team, Wong will oversee the Foundation’s core functions, including investment management, finance, accounting, information technology, and human capital.
For nearly eight years, Wong has served as Deputy Director of King County Department of Community and Human Services, overseeing an annual department budget of $940 million and 500 employees. Before that role, Wong worked as the Chief Operating Officer at Community Roots Housing and played key leadership roles with the City of Seattle and Low Income Housing Institute. As CFOO, Wong will lead a talented staff of 20 and set the Foundation’s vision for operating with data-driven decision-making and performance metrics grounded in its commitment to centering on racial equity. Wong will oversee the Foundation’s investments currently totaling more than $1 billion in assets under management.
Seattle Foundation’s Leadership Team and Board of Trustees selected Wong after a comprehensive and rigorous search. “On behalf of Seattle Foundation’s Board of Trustees, I am pleased to welcome Josephine to the organization as our new Chief Financial Operating Officer. Her relevant experience and proven track record across the nonprofit and public sectors will be critical as we work collectively to advance Seattle Foundation’s mission. Josephine is a change maker with exceptional skills across finance, operations, technology, and human resources. As we embark on a bold vision to advance greater equity and opportunity across the Seattle region, she will be a key leader for our organization and the community more broadly,” shared Kelley Hall, Seattle Foundation Trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Wong joins Seattle Foundation having more than 25 years as a committed community leader in and around the Greater Seattle region. As an active member of the Seattle community, she serves as a board, committee, or advisory member of several organizations, including Vice President of the Community Roots Housing Foundation Board. Wong’s steadfast commitment to advancing racial and economic equity throughout her career has also enabled her to lead large-scale, multi-systems initiatives within complex organizations.
“I could not be more proud to have Josephine join the team as our next finance and operations leader, building on her incredible career in the public and nonprofit sectors. She is a steadfast and unshakeable change agent, and I look forward to her bringing knowledge on both the technical and people side of running a large organization. As the gaps in the Greater Seattle region, unfortunately, continue to widen and affordable housing remains one of the most critical issues facing our community, Josephine’s experience in this space will be invaluable,” reflected Tony Mestres, President & CEO of Seattle Foundation.
An expert and trusted resource on public, affordable housing, Wong is renowned for her work leading the Community and Human Services Department in affordable housing, homelessness, behavioral health, senior services, developmental disabilities, youth and young adult employment, and education in this region. Her knowledge of these areas will significantly benefit Seattle Foundation as the organization continues to support more affordable housing through efforts like the Evergreen Impact Housing Fund.
“I am grateful for the chance to build on my knowledge and expertise to help Seattle Foundation work alongside community and philanthropists to meet our region’s greatest needs. This is an exciting time to join the organization and support its commitment to equity,” said Wong.
Wong has completed several professional development programs, including Annie E. Casey Foundation’s premier Children and Family Fellowship Program designed for leaders of major systems reforms and community change initiatives.
Wong will assume her leadership position at Seattle Foundation on May 17, 2021. For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact LaMonte Guillory.
About Seattle Foundation:
Together with its mission to ignite powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant region for all, Seattle Foundation envisions a thriving region of shared prosperity, belonging, and justice where all individuals and communities have equitable access and outcomes, regardless of race, place, or identity.
As a community foundation, Seattle Foundation works to advance equity and opportunity throughout the region while strengthening the impact of the philanthropists it serves. Founded in 1946 and with more than $1.1 billion in assets, the Foundation pursues its mission with a combination of deep community insight, civic leadership, philanthropic advising, and judicious financial stewardship. Read more at the Seattle Foundation home page.