Contact: Ling Woo Liu, lliu[at]sff.org
March 2, 2021
Galen Maness appointed as new COO;
Daryel Dunston also named Senior Director, Place Pathway
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The San Francisco Foundation announces the appointment of Galen Maness as the organization’s new Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Maness joined the foundation in 2015, and most recently served as its Senior Director of Human Resources and Administration.
“Galen has been instrumental in advancing our equity work in the Bay Area,” said CEO Fred Blackwell. “He has made great strides in diversifying our staff to better reflect the communities we serve, and in centering equity in our organizational culture. His internal promotion to our senior leadership team also represents one of the first in our organization’s history.”
During Mr. Maness’ time at the foundation, he has led the organization’s internal equity work, talent development, organizational effectiveness, recruitment, compensation, payroll, and facilities management. Mr. Maness previously worked in the private sector, most recently in the position of Director of Human Resources for Starbucks’ operations in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he created job opportunities for veterans and under-resourced communities.
“I am excited about transitioning into the more expanded role, working closely with the Board, and joining the foundation’s senior leadership team. It has been an incredible experience to be part of such an amazing organization committed to building healthy communities in the Bay Area,” said Mr. Maness.
The foundation’s outgoing COO, Dee Dee Brantley, retired this month after 19 years at the organization, including 11 years in the COO position.
The foundation is also pleased to announce Daryel Dunston as its new Senior Director, Place Pathway. Mr. Dunston most recently served as the City of Oakland’s first Homelessness Administrator, leading the interdepartmental coordination and response to the city’s growing housing and homelessness crisis.
“The state of housing and homelessness in the Bay Area requires an emergency response from all sectors, including philanthropy,” said Mr. Blackwell. “Daryel is a former firefighter, EMT and housing expert. We couldn’t be more excited to bring his emergency lens to the critical need for safe and affordable housing for all in our region.”
Since March of last year, Mr. Dunston has also played a key role in the City of Oakland’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am excited to join the San Francisco Foundation, and I am eager to contribute to the foundation’s vision of a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse Bay Area,” said Mr. Dunston. “My interdisciplinary experiences will assist with the improvement of housing outcomes for communities of color and low-income households across the region. It is truly an honor to be a part of the SFF team — a privilege I do not take lightly — and I intend to make the most of this amazing opportunity.”
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The San Francisco Foundation is committed to a Bay Area where everyone can get a good job, live in a safe and affordable home, and exercise their political voice. The foundation advances its work through grantmaking, partnerships with donors, policy advocacy, and impact investing.