From the McGregor Fund Board of Trustees & Staff

Dear community: 

Ten decades of stewardship have taught the McGregor Fund that authentic relationships are the standard by which we are most accountable to our community. In that spirit, the Fund's Board of Trustees and staff want to publicly share our support of President Kate Levin Markel and her decision to step down from her role at the Fund at the end of 2026.   

Kate's leadership has transformed the McGregor Fund, leaving an indelible mark on this institution and across the philanthropic sector in ways that will endure for years to come. For nearly 25 years, including eleven as president, Kate has upheld a fierce, unwavering dedication to the mission set forth by our founders and, most importantly, to the causes of hundreds of grant partners. For that, we are immeasurably grateful.  

Her decision to step away honors a long-held commitment to invite new leadership at the right moment. We applaud her integrity and her courageous choice to reimagine and redistribute power, pushing our sector beyond traditional concepts of who leads and how leadership is shared. 

As the Foundation begins to prepare for leadership transition, our greatest priorities remain to hold our grant partner relationships with dignity, maintain a culture of care, and respond to the needs of our community. The Fund has made significant strides in recent years, from evolving our grantmaking towards justice-oriented leadership and work, doubling our pay-out, and shifting our culture towards a more accurate reflection of the communities we serve. We will do our part to honor these advancements as we continue our evolutionary journey. Further, the McGregor Fund trustees and staff will continue to center our values to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and thoughtfulness are central in what comes next. 

Much work lies ahead, as do exciting opportunities for celebration. We look forward to honoring Kate's leadership alongside our community as we also celebrate the Fund's centennial anniversary in the months to come.  

With gratitude and grace,  

The McGregor Fund Board of Trustees & Staff  

Read our press release for more information about Kate's leadership transition.

McGregor Fund Board of Trustees and staff with President Kate Levin Markel. Not pictured: (Trustees) Sheilah P. Clay, Byna Elliott, Michelle Johnson Tidjani, Philip B. Phillips and (Staff) Ashly B. Jurek