Contact: Ling Woo Liu, lliu[at]sff.org
Retha Robinson’s nearly half-century at the San Francisco Foundation (SFF) has given her a rare, lived view of community philanthropy—how resources move, how trust is built, and why listening to residents and grassroots leaders matters. From serving as SFF’s 16th employee in 1980 to leading the Koshland Program for more than 25 years, she has helped the foundation stay close to community, strengthening the networks and relationships that make lasting change possible.
Robinson stepped down from her role as Director of the Koshland Program on May 8, when Brandon Johns was promoted to the role. Johns joined SFF in 2020 as Koshland Program Officer. His prior experience includes serving as the founding Executive Director of Making A New United People, Inc., a nonprofit organization supporting underserved youth throughout Washington, D.C., where he developed strong leadership, program management, and community engagement skills. He also brings valuable policy expertise from his time with the NAACP, where he analyzed and advocated for federal policies impacting racial and ethnic minorities. In addition, his experience as a professional staffer on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, supporting key legislative initiatives, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the policymaking process. Together, these experiences position him well to lead, advocate, and drive meaningful impact in his new role.
“I am so excited to continue the Koshland legacy shaped by both Retha Robinson and her predecessor, Arnold Perkins,” says Johns. “I have learned so much from Retha and look forward to building upon the incredible work she has led in Bay Area communities.”
Robinson joined SFF in 1980 and went on to serve in donor services and operations before joining the Koshland Program in 1988. She became Director of the Koshland Program in 1999. Across those roles, her work has bridged the inside of institutional philanthropy with the day-to-day realities of Bay Area neighborhoods—helping to ensure that investments are informed by community experience and rooted in long-term relationships.
Established in 1982, the Koshland Program uplifts unsung local leaders through funding, professional development, and opportunities to learn and connect with peers across the Bay Area.
As its director, Robinson has been known for staying close to community—showing up, listening, and elevating the human stories behind the work. Colleagues and partners say that approach has helped the program connect residents across neighborhoods and keep philanthropy grounded in the leaders doing the work every day.
“Retha brings a light to whatever situation she’s in. No matter how gloomy it is, she brings light,” said Arnold Perkins, former Koshland Program director. “I think that the ancestors put her on earth to light dark places.”
A key part of Robinson’s work has been identifying and supporting leaders who are already making change in their neighborhoods—and ensuring they have resources, recognition, and connection.
“We go out and sit and talk to people and just ask them, ‘Who in your neighborhood do you call when there’s a problem?’” Robinson said. “As you hear these names over and over, you realize these are the folks that people look to make change in community.”
About the San Francisco Foundation
The San Francisco Foundation (SFF) is a community foundation committed to a Bay Area where everyone can get a good job, live in a safe and affordable home, and exercise their political voice. Founded in 1948, SFF advances its work through grantmaking, partnerships with donors, policy advocacy, and impact investing.
