Contact: lliu[at]sff.org
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – San Francisco Foundation (SFF) announces that Dr. Jennifer Martinez has been hired as Vice President of Policy and Innovation. Martinez brings over two decades of experience in community organizing, housing justice, immigrant rights, restorative justice, and education reform.
Martinez will lead, guide, and direct the foundation’s policy and systems change agenda, overseeing initiatives such as The Partnership for the Bay’s Future. In this role, she will drive investments in innovative approaches to achieve the foundation’s north star of advancing racial equity and economic inclusion, with a focus on addressing the Bay Area’s housing crisis. She will oversee a team of 15 staff and manage more than $10 million in annual grantmaking.
“At a time when our core values of equity and inclusion are being challenged, we must choose courage over fear and invest boldly in leaders who can drive real, systemic change,” said Judith Bell, SFF’s Chief Impact Officer. “Jennifer is precisely that leader. Her experience as a powerful organizer and strategist, especially in advancing housing justice and building big-tent coalitions, will be vital as we work to ensure every Bay Area resident can be economically secure, rooted in vibrant communities, and engaged in civic life.”
Martinez joins SFF from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), where she served as the Senior Director, Housing Affordability, directing a $25M grantmaking program and supporting strategies for systems change through policy advocacy and innovation.
Prior to CZI, she was the Chief Strategy Officer for PICO California, the largest faith-based community organizing network in California. During her time at PICO, she co-led legislative and ballot campaigns advancing racial and economic justice, and her successful advocacy was instrumental in the passage of the landmark tenant protection law AB 1482.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the SFF team, which has provided much-needed vision and leadership in the Bay Area and beyond,” said Martinez. “As a community foundation, SFF has demonstrated creativity, courage and deep partnership towards building an equitable and inclusive region, and I intend to bring my passion and 25 years of experience to help achieve that goal.”
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About the San Francisco Foundation
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.
