Lesley Slavitt: Executive Director
Grand Rapids, MI — Philanthropic leader Lesley Slavitt has been named as Executive Director of the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, which helps individuals and organizations strengthen their philanthropic efforts to build strong, inclusive communities.
Slavitt has nearly three decades of experience in philanthropy and higher education. Across her career, she has held several leadership positions at corporate foundations including as COO of the Bank One Foundation where she helped steer its merger with the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and was Senior Advisor to the chairman of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. She also served as the head of Civic Engagement and CEO of Fiat Chrysler’s Foundation.
Previously, she oversaw civic affairs and communications for Roosevelt University in Chicago and has also worked in urban innovation. In 2020, she led initiatives for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 response.
Slavitt joins the Johnson Center as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. With her wealth of experience and global perspective, she will help the Johnson Center elevate its nationally recognized work assisting people and organizations to strengthen their philanthropic efforts.
The Johnson Center was established at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Allendale, MI, in 1992 with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and GVSU. Its mission is to be a global leader in helping individuals and organizations understand, strengthen, and advance philanthropy, resulting in a smart, adaptive sector that helps create strong, inclusive communities.
Its researchers are helping to lead groundbreaking studies on donor advised funds, giving circles, and international philanthropy, and its professional development offerings are expanding to provide opportunities for philanthropy practitioners to serve communities with excellence and a commitment to equity. For more information, visit https://johnsoncenter.org/
