FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARCA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Washington, DC, August 9, 2023 – The Arca Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and human rights, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Pae as its new Executive Director. Jenn will begin on September 6, 2023 with a smooth transition with the outgoing Executive Director Anna Lefer Kuhn through the end of the year. “Jenn leads with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to justice— I have no doubt that Arca will thrive with Jenn at the helm,” said Kuhn.
Pae has held leadership positions in organizations devoted to social justice for the past twenty years, at the local, state, and national level. She began her career at the United States Student Association, where she was elected President, and served in leadership positions at re:power, Fair Vote California, and the League of Women Voters California. Jenn has mentored and trained thousands of leaders and organizers in managing electoral and issue-based campaigns. Most recently, Pae served as Political Director of Way to Win, which supports national and state-based civic engagement organizations.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to work alongside a talented team and collaborate with the board of directors to drive meaningful change. This is an exciting and an incredibly important time to work closely with partners in philanthropy and organizations that are making concrete changes in people’s lives,” said Pae.
Arca’s board of directors conducted an extensive search process, in partnership with On-Ramps, an executive search firm focused on non-profits advancing justice and equity. The search aimed to identify a visionary leader capable of building upon the foundation’s 70-year history of supporting the struggle for human rights and dignity at home and abroad.
“We are excited to welcome Jennifer as the new Executive Director of the Arca Foundation,” said Nicole Bagley, Arca’s President. “Our current and future grantees will be well served by her deep understanding of grassroots organizing, empowering communities, and civic engagement.”