George Suttles
The Scherman Foundation announced Thursday the appointment of George Suttles, currently executive director of the Commonfund Institute, as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective September 14.
Suttles will succeed Mike Pratt at the foundation, the mission of which is to invest in political, economic and cultural transformation to support racial justice and equity initiatives. At the Commonfund Institute, Suttles led the organization’s education, thought leadership and professional development initiatives, according to a statement from the foundation.
”George brings a wealth of philanthropic leadership experience in New York City and across the nation, with a distinguished track record of advancing racial, economic, and social justice,” said Scherman Foundation Chair Marianna S. Schaffer in a statement. “His investment expertise and ground-level understanding of how grassroots communities build and sustain power uniquely position him to guide the foundation’s next chapter and advance our vision for racial justice.”
Suttles currently sits on several nonprofit boards and investment committees, including those for the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, the Auburn Theological Seminary, the New York Foundation and BoardSource.
Before joining Commonfund in 2018, Suttles held roles at the National Urban League, the New York State Health Foundation, the Anthem Foundation, U.S. Trust and the John A. Hartford Foundation.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College, and a master’s degree in philanthropic studies from Indiana University, Indianapolis.
“I’m deeply honored to build upon Mike’s extraordinary legacy, particularly at a time when so much of what we stand for and support is being challenged,” Suttles said in a statement. “Scherman’s powerful combination of moral clarity and operational courage is exactly what’s needed to meet this moment—and it’s what drew me to this opportunity. As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I’m excited to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our exceptional team and grantee partners as we continue building power, advancing justice, and showing up for the communities we love.”
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