Honoring Cathy Cha and Looking Ahead to Our Next Chapter

Dear Friends,

My parents created the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund in 1953 with a vision of a society in which every person has the opportunity to thrive and live with dignity and hope. Seventy-three years later, my fellow board members and I remain deeply committed to advancing this vision, grounded in our shared values of inclusion, courage, respect, and collaboration.

As you may have heard, Cathy Cha will be departing the Haas, Jr. Fund soon to begin a new professional chapter. We are profoundly grateful for Cathy’s leadership. She has been a true changemaker and has delivered far-reaching impact for the people and communities we care so deeply about. We know Cathy will continue to make a positive difference in the world in her next role. 

We want to celebrate Cathy in a way she would most appreciate—by honoring the relationships and moments that have meant the most to her. If you would like to share a message, photo, or favorite memory with Cathy, please use this link. Our staff will compile your contributions into a book to present to her.

The Haas, Jr. Fund board is being thoughtful in this moment of transition to determine what we need in our next President and CEO. In the interim, following Cathy’s departure, Vice Presidents Robert Joseph and Mark Orozco will step in as co-leads beginning June 1. We are confident in their leadership and the staff team. Please keep an eye out on our website and LinkedIn for updates.

Thank you for your partnership and for all that you do as we continue the collective work of strengthening communities and building a better, fairer society.

Warmly,

Wally Haas  
Board Chair, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund