2016 National Conference

David brings more than 25 years of experience in in driving the growth of social sector organizations working for a more just and equitable world.  He has successfully scaled programs, developed new products and services, expanded into new markets and business lines, and launched new revenue generating operations within nonprofit organizations. Most recently, David served as Interim President & CEO for Northern California Grantmakers and led their efforts to launch a new strategic direction and business model.  Previously, he served as Vice President of the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) for more than 5 years and as Vice President of the Youth Leadership Institute.  David also served as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager for the National Wildlife Federation, and Director of Programs for the Horatio Alger Association.

He is the author of "Nonprofit Financial Management" featured in "Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals" edited by Darian Heyman.  David served for ten years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves and earned his M.A. in Political Science from Villanova University and B.S. in History & Politics from Drexel University.

Ellen brings over 20 years of experience building strategic partnerships in both the private and public sector to NCG, including serving as vice president of strategic partnerships at HopeLab, a private operating foundation started by Pam Omidyar that leverages the power and appeal of technology to improve health and well-being.  She also served as Executive Director of Project Inform, a national non-profit AIDS treatment information and advocacy organization, and Director of Clinical Research at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco.  Ellen received her B.A. in Health Policy from Brown University and her J.D. from University of California Berkeley.

Linda is a program officer in the Organizational Effectiveness program, focusing on building the capacity of the Foundation’s grantees in the Local Grantmaking and Children, Families and Communities programs. She also manages the Foundation’s Special Opportunities Fund. Between 2010 and 2013 she served as a program officer in the Local Grantmaking Program, making grants in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. During her time in Local Grantmaking, she launched the Salinas Youth Initiative, a targeted initiative that builds the capacity of organizations serving youth in East Salinas. Prior to joining the Local Grantmaking Program, Linda served as a program officer in the Children, Families, and Communities Program, where she was responsible for grantmaking in the children’s health insurance program, working to bring health insurance to all children in California. She started her time at the Foundation in 1994 as a research analyst and associate editor in the Center for the Future of Children.

Before joining the Packard Foundation, Linda worked for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in research and evaluation. Linda holds a master’s degree in public health from Rutgers and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.