The Walton Family Foundation on Thursday named Stephanie Cornell, a former managing director of the global venture philanthropy firm Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, as executive director of the nonprofit.
Cornell follows Caryl Stern, who announced in October that she was stepping down. Stern led the Walton Family Foundation for more than three years, guiding it through the COVID-19 pandemic and launching a new strategic plan.
In a LinkedIn post, Stern said her last day with the foundation was June 3 and that she “loved every minute of working with the Walton Family.”
Annie Proietti, board chair of the foundation, said in an email to supporters and stakeholders Thursday that Cornell brings extensive experience with an array of social impact organizations to the position.
“Her perspective will help us continue evolving and find new ways to unlock opportunity for people and communities,” Proietti said.
As managing director at California-based DRKF, Cornell served as a strategic adviser, thought leader and board member for portfolio organizations with widely-varied social missions and geographic focuses. Cornell was also part of the group’s operating committee and leadership team, guiding decisions on communications, policies and overall culture and firm practice.
Before she joined DRKF, Cornell launched and grew several social ventures in the U.S. and internationally. She’s the co-founder of Strategic Grant Partners, which provides resources and support to nonprofits; Project Healthy Children, now known as Sanku, an organization that aims to address key health issues affecting children globally; and the Maranyundo Initiative, a nonprofit that focuses on improving education for girls in Rwanda.
Proietti said Cornell also has a broad network dedicated to partnerships and problem-solving.
“This strength is key as we tackle challenges more complex and interconnected than ever,” Proietti said. To drive lasting change, we need to be ambitious and look for ideas from everywhere.”
Cornell holds a bachelor’s in English and environmental studies from Oberlin College in Ohio, a master’s in business administration from Stanford University and was a fellow with Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative.
She currently serves on the advisory boards of The Elevate Prize, which provides financial support and resources to grassroots organizations addressing global challenges, and the One8 Foundation, a venture philanthropy nonprofit that works to address youth social issues in India.
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