Nonprofit Sector

NFF’s Board Thanks Interim CEO & President Trella Walker

July 25, 2022

When NFF’s Board named Trella Walker Interim CEO and President a year ago, we knew that we needed someone with vision, the ability to act on that vision, and deep expertise leading equity-focused change at organizations.

Now, as Trella returns to her consulting practice and we prepare to welcome new permanent leadership, we reflect on Trella’s significant contributions and thank her for guiding NFF so ably.

Alongside Executive Transition Team co-members Andrea Briscoe and Kristin Giantris, Trella maintained the organization’s strong performance, advanced our racial equity strategy, and prepared NFF for permanent leadership. All this as the COVID-19 pandemic continually changed the ways we work and live.

Rather than approaching this period of leadership transition as a “pause” we asked Trella and the leadership team to continue NFF’s evolution as a more diverse, equitable, and equity-driving organization. A few highlights of her tenure:

  • Trella led the organization to achieve all of our Plan 50%+ 2021 goals, designed to accelerate NFF’s commitment to organizations led by and serving people of color.
  • Trella grew a talented, diverse NFF team whose lived experiences better align with our clients’, and guided NFF in its ongoing evolution from transaction-oriented provider to relationship-driven partner.
  • She led NFF through a reorganization to better align talent, culture, and operations with strategy.
  • Trella oversaw the launch of the Strategic Innovation Fund, prioritizing needs of community-centered nonprofits led by and serving people of color.  
  • She also contributed thought leadership about how NFF is prioritizing racial equity, including an article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy and many speaking requests, such as her recent appearances at Grantmakers in the Arts, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, and Harvard Business School.
  • Trella’s creation and leadership of the Social Innovation & Equity Council is an enduring and transformative contribution to NFF. 

The Board is impressed with the accomplishments that Trella, the rest of the Executive Transition Team, and the entire staff have achieved over the past year-plus in service of equity, and in service of our mission.

We are deeply grateful for Trella’s leadership and are so pleased that the nonprofit sector is going to continue to benefit from her expertise and skills through her consulting practice. Thank you, Trella!