I’m excited to share a piece of news that recently came across my desk.

Annie Maxwell, our former colleague at Direct Relief, a Santa Barbara native, and a dear friend, continues to make us proud as the Skoll Global Threats Fund’s new president.

“President Maxwell” always sounded right to me, as I’m sure it has for everyone who’s had the privilege to work alongside her – from Santa Barbara High, or the University of Michigan – where, as a full-scholarship Division I athlete captaining the women’s volleyball team, she somehow managed to jam in a Master’s from the Ford School – or D.C. during her stint as a White House Fellow.

It’s a great choice, an amazing honor, and very good for the world.

-Thomas Tighe

“With experience in government, international civil society, and the NGO sector, Annie brings to the role a nuanced understanding of the ways in which organizations work, as well as a capacity to build the networks that are critical for success against the global threats the world is facing… She is the ideal person to help the Skoll Global Threats Fund evolve to the next stage.” – Jeff Skoll, chairman and founder

>>Read the full announcement from the Skoll Global Threats Fund