Every Voice Shines New Light

The value of an idea increases exponentially when it’s shared. From our staff, partners and grantees to the people impacted by their efforts, each perspective offers new insight into the critical issues at the heart of our work.

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Monica Pressley

Welcoming Monica Pressley

| by Denis Chicola in Fund News

The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund Names Monica Pressley as Chief Financial Officer

"Monica brings a wealth of experience in investment management and administration, along with a deep commitment to the power of philanthropy to strengthen our communities and change lives for the better" - Ira Hirschfield, president of the Haas, Jr. Fund.

The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund announced today that Monica Pressley has been named Chief Financial Officer. She will assume her new position on November 2, 2016. Pressley joins the Haas, Jr. Fund from the S…

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VP of Finance Michael Blake to Step Down

| by Ira Hirschfield in Fund News

22 years of service at the Fund, and to the field of foundation finances

Michael has served as a superb and ethical steward of the Fund’s finances and a steadfast champion of its guiding values of equity and opportunity.

I am writing with the news that Michael Blake will be stepping down in December as Vice President of Finance with the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. In his 22 years at the Fund, Michael has served as…

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Citizenship fair Letter from the President

Working Together for Progress

| by Ira Hirschfield in Fund News

Spring 2016 Letter from the President

As the Presidential election sparks heated debate about the future of our country, the Fund remains committed to supporting the incredible work of our grantee partners.

The Presidential election has surfaced deep differences and sparked heated debate about the future of the country. It is against this backdrop of change and uncertainty that I find hope and inspiration in the steadf…

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Ira Hirschfield with founders

Ira Hirschfield to Step Down as President

| by Denis Chicola in Fund News

Longtime Haas, Jr. Fund President Recognized for His Bold, Visionary Leadership

From the transformation of San Francisco’s Crissy Field to the national campaign for marriage equality, Ira Hirschfield has played a key leadership role in major initiatives reflecting the Fund’s commitment to advancing rights and creating opportunities.

Ira S. Hirschfield, President and Trustee of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund in San Francisco, will be stepping down at the end of 2016. During his 28 years of visionary and highly effective leadership, the Haa…

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Ira Hirschfield, Walter J. Haas, Betsy Haas Eisenhardt, and Robert D. Haas at Crissy Field

Reflecting on Ira Hirschfield’s Leadership

| by Walter J. Haas in Fund News

The Fund’s Trustees describe our departing President’s passion for philanthropy and for “lifting aspirations.

In a letter to the Fund’s partners and colleagues, Trustees Walter J. Haas, Robert D. Haas and Betsy Haas Eisenhardt offer their perspectives on Ira Hirschfield’s “visionary and highly effective” leadership. Ira “has dared so many of us to dream,” they write.

Ira Hirschfield will be stepping down in December 2016 as President and Trustee of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund after 28 years of visionary and highly effective leadership. Ira has been a constant source of…

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