Lifting Up Leaders in International Climate Justice
Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA) is a non-profit membership organization representing over 200 foundations from North America and around the world which collectively hold approximately $200 billion in assets and give more than $1.8 billion dollars annually to environmental causes. The ultimate goal of EGA and its members is a world with healthy, equitable, and sustainable ecosystems, communities, and economies. EGA works with members and partners to promote effective environmental philanthropy by sharing knowledge, fostering debate, cultivating leadership, facilitating collaboration, and catalyzing action. After a nearly twelve year tenure from its prior leader, EGA needed to embark upon a national search for a new leader to shepherd it into its next phase of impact.
“I first had the pleasure of working with Walker & Associates Consulting when I was Board Chair of Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA). Jeannine led our search for a new President and CEO with expertise and care, adeptly working with and integrating the needs and perspectives of several stakeholders including multiple Board Committees as well as staff. That search culminated in the hire of an internationally recognized climate strategist and lifelong environmental advocate, Tamara Toles O’Laughlin. I was so pleased with how Jeannine supported EGA that I then secured her expertise for an important Senior Program Officer, Clean Energy role on my Climate team at Barr Foundation.”
~Mariella Puerto, Director of Climate, Barr Foundation
The Barr Foundation’s mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. As stewards, Barr nurtures and enhances vital community assets. As catalysts, the foundation cultivates and advances the breakthrough ideas that will shape our collective future. Barr focuses on achieving impact as a constructive partner, willing to exercise leadership. Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally, working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts and creative expression, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all students to success in high school and beyond. Founded in 1997, Barr has grown to become one of the largest private foundations in New England with assets in excess of $3 billion and a 2021 grantmaking budget of nearly $120 million.
“Walker & Associates Consulting led a collaborative process with team members across disciplines and levels. We joked that working with Jeannine feels more like a day at the spa because she brings joy into what can be a stressful process and takes care of all of the details so we can show up relaxed and ready to engage. Now Barr has Kathyrn Wright, who brings not only clean energy experience in the Northeast, but also valuable program experience across the U.S. and Canada. Jeannine’s thoughtful engagement with clients and candidates, alongside her proven track record of outstanding placements, speaks volumes about her professionalism and expertise.”
~Mariella Puerto, Director of Climate, Barr Foundation
