OUR TEAM
We know education, housing,catalytic capital, and people. But most of all, we know Oakland.
Our team brings together deep experience in education, housing, philanthropy, and community partnerships — all rooted in a shared commitment to Oakland.
Operations
Coordinator
Special Projects
Intern
Chief Executive Officer
Senior Director of Fundraising & Operations
Rooted, Housing
Director
Rooted, Program
ManagerBOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Oakland Fund’s Board of Directors plays a critical role in shaping our vision, fiduciary oversight, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our work remains rooted in and accountable to the communities we serve. Their leadership, expertise, and deep commitment to equity guide our strategic direction and amplify our impact across Oakland.
Our board utilizes strong governance to guide the organization and connect our work to the communities and people we serve. Deep expertise meets an even deeper commitment to Oakland. Every decision is grounded in the communities we serve.
Thurman White, Chair
Former CEO, Progress Investment Management; Angel Investor; Board Member Emeritus, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Karely Ordaz
Director, CEO Affairs, San Francisco Foundation
John Lyman
Partner, GV
Elizabeth Van Benschoten, Treasurer
Chief Investment Officer & SVP, Capital Markets, Bridge Housing
Heather Hood
Vice President, Northern California, Enterprise Community Partners
Mai-Ling Garcia
Digital Services Practice Director, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, Johns Hopkins University
Chris Sutherland
Founder and Managing Partner at Sutherland Strategies.
Jesús Gerena
CEO/President, UpTogether
Derwin Sisnett, Secretary
CEO, Adaptive Commons