Kelly Williams appointed to Board of Trustees

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) announced the appointment of Kelly Williams to its board of trustees, beginning her term this month. Williams brings decades of experience in global investment management, governance and expanding economic opportunity.

“Kelly brings deep expertise in stewarding complex investment platforms and a strong commitment to expanding opportunity,” said Dr. Khan Nedd, chief governance officer of the board of trustees. “Her leadership in private markets and mission-aligned investing will strengthen the foundation’s ability to steward its endowment in service of children, families and communities.”

Kelly Williams is founder and CEO of The Williams Legacy Foundation, which advances opportunities for members of diverse groups, and the founder and former global head of the Customized Fund Investment Group (CFIG), a leading private markets platform that grew to more than $30 billion in assets under management. Throughout her career, she has championed emerging and diverse investment managers and was the founding chair of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), representing more than 1,800 of the most senior women in the private equity industry globally. She has over a decade of experience on numerous public, private and nonprofit boards, including the National Philanthropic Trust, the largest independent provider of Donor Advised Funds, The Greenbrier Companies and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

“Kelly brings extraordinary leadership and vision at a moment when steady stewardship and bold thinking are both essential,” said La June Montgomery Tabron, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “Her commitment to expansive growth and long-term impact will help guide our work to ensure every child and community has the opportunity to thrive.”

WKKF receives its income primarily from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust, a charitable trust set up by Mr. Kellogg in 1930 with his earnings from his cereal company. Today, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust also announced two new members to its board of trustees: Stefan Strein, chief investment officer at the Cleveland Clinic, and Andrew (Andy) Johnson, former managing director, chief investment officer and head of global investment grade fixed income at Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

 WKKF, Kellanova (part of Mars, Incorporated) and WK Kellogg Co (part of the Ferrero Group) are legally separate entities and operate independently of each other. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is governed by an independent board of trustees and is not managed or directed by either company.