Khanh Russo
Vice President of Policy and Innovation
Why do you do what you do?
In a place increasingly divided by income and wealth, and on a planet where geopolitical, economic, and technological forces deepen our already-substantial disparities, I believe that we can do better. This should not be our reality. We are a community strengthened by our diversity, compassion, innovation, technology, social justice and incredible wealth, and with that I know we can solve the housing crisis and ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from the community’s prosperity.
What drew you to the foundation?
My family immigrated to America as political refugees and were supported by the nonprofits that the foundation funded. I was also inspired by the foundation’s commitment to social justice, racial equity and economic inclusion.
How would you describe your role?
My work will give power to communities that are working toward equity. In this role, I will help SFF use policy as a powerful tool to change the rules to create more inclusive institutions, dismantle structural inequality, and advance equity at scale.
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I volunteer for SPUR, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, and Cristo Rey San Jose High School. I am also a lay minister with my church providing religious formation.
Full Biography
Khanh’s commitment to social justice is demonstrated through his professional experience in the public, private and social sector. He has held leadership positions with San Jose Mayor’s Sam Liccardo’s Administration, Cisco Systems, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, and The Forbes Funds.
As Vice President of Policy and Innovation for the San Francisco Foundation, he leads efforts to innovate and design public systems that center racial equity and economic opportunity. As part of Mayor Liccardo’s administration, he established strategic partnerships and advanced innovation and data initiatives that improved education outcomes, workforce training, service and volunteerism, performance management and budget management.
Khanh obtained a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Religious Studies, and was a Coro Public Affairs Fellow.