Valerie Goode

Why do you do what you do?

Three reasons. First, I am passionate about ensuring people are connected to and understand the information they need to make informed decisions. Second, I’ve experienced the power of narrative and storytelling to influence and change my life. I feel a responsibility to activate and cultivate my skills and the skills of others to make a meaningful contribution toward positive social change. And lastly, I do what I do to keep evolving and share what I am learning in communications, marketing, and leadership.

What drew you to the foundation?

I am proud to work for an organization with nearly 75 years of experience fighting for social justice in the Bay Area. San Francisco Foundation’s current focus on advancing racial equity and economic inclusion felt like the right fit for me at this stage of my career and at this time in history. I consider it a privilege to get to fight for racial justice at work.

How would you describe your role?

I have the honor of helping to spread the word about SFF and the work we are doing to advance racial equity and economic inclusion both inside the organization and out. I work with others to tell the story of the foundation by highlighting the people and organizations in Bay Area communities working to make this region one where everyone can thrive regardless of race or socioeconomic status. You can check out some of this work in places such as our website, social media pages, and newsletters.

Are you involved in any volunteer activities?

My favorite volunteer activity is mentoring. I have several mentees, both formal and informal. I love to share experiences and connect people to information and resources that help them achieve their goals.

Full Biography

Valerie Goode is the Chief Marketing Officer at the San Francisco Foundation (SFF), one of the largest community foundations in the country. Goode joined SFF in April 2020 to support the foundation’s mission of advancing racial equity and economic inclusion in the Bay Area. She is a tested communications professional with over 20 years of experience helping local and national organizations design and implement successful marketing and communications strategies. Goode brings an infectious, fun, and energetic personality to her work.

Goode is known for counseling organizations and leaders on utilizing the media and building strong local partnerships. She is on a lifelong journey of advancing racial equity, narrative shift, and strategies for changing behaviors and attitudes. She has been fortunate to work in many fields including journalism, public health, education and now philanthropy. Each experience has provided unique looks at the intersectionality of race, class, and gender within our society.

Prior to joining SFF, Goode was the Deputy Chief of Communications and Public Affairs for the Oakland Unified School District in California. She also served as the first Director of Marketing for Broward County Public Schools in Florida, the sixth largest school district in the US. Before that, she dedicated herself to over a decade in health communications with the Gallup Organization and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Early in her career, she covered crime for the local newspaper in Syracuse, New York.

Goode holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from Northeastern University. In her spare time, she works with youth and helps community organizations access resources and information.