Contact:
Keith Aikens, communications officer
269.969.2079, keith.aikens@wkkf.org
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) of Battle Creek, Mich., today announced Alvin H. Warren as its new program officer for New Mexico programs. He joins the foundation to assist in managing the New Mexico place-based grantmaking and social change efforts.
A member of Santa Clara Pueblo and born and raised in New Mexico, Warren will be based at the foundation’s Albuquerque office. Most recently, Warren was executive vice president at Blue Stone Strategy Group, a Native American-owned advisory firm committed to strengthening tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency through supporting effective leadership, profitable business development and productive governmental systems.
Warren has held senior leadership positions in tribal and state government and in the non-profit, philanthropic and private sectors. Previously, he served as cabinet secretary of Indian Affairs for the State of New Mexico and two consecutive terms as lieutenant governor of Santa Clara Pueblo.
“Alvin’s extensive experience in New Mexico and in public administration, including within Native communities, add to our team’s goal to continue forging close relationships to co-create the conditions necessary to support and propel vulnerable children to success,” said Kara Carlisle, WKKF’s director of New Mexico programs. “He strengthens our ability to work with community partners to continue making targeted grantmaking investments toward ensuring all children are healthy, well-educated and living in economically secure families.”
“Our experience has taught us that a knowledgeable local team is key to helping the foundation operate in full partnership with the community, where we know social change happens,” said Kellogg Foundation vice president – program strategy, James McHale. “Adding Alvin to our team in New Mexico is another step in that direction.”
The Kellogg Foundation has supported nonprofit efforts in New Mexico for more than 70 years. Within New Mexico, in collaboration with state and tribal governments, community organizations, businesses, neighborhoods and other funders, the foundation works to remove barriers faced by many New Mexican children, especially children of color.
Current grants are concentrated in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, McKinley and San Juan counties and in Native communities across the state, places that are estimated to be home to more than half the vulnerable children in New Mexico.
