A Note from WKKF President and CEO Sterling Speirn

Colleagues,

I am writing to share with you plans for a change at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and for me. At the end of 2013, I will leave the foundation after eight years as president and CEO. I plan to keep working on behalf of vulnerable children and families in the philanthropic and nonprofit arenas.

Among the foundation’s many achievements, I am most proud of our work to improve the lives of vulnerable children in America and abroad by creating new systems that provide better, more affordable food, higher-quality education options and clear paths out of multi-generational poverty.  The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting racial equity, fostered the opportunity for racial healing, and embedded civic and community engagement as the primary mechanisms for effecting sustainable change.

The foundation also made an explicit designation of priority places, where long-term commitments are in place with Michigan, New Mexico, Mississippi and New Orleans in the U.S., as well as Mexico and Haiti in the Latin America and Caribbean portfolio.

A board search committee has been formed and is composed of the following members: Dottie Johnson, Fred Keller, Wenda Weekes Moore, Ramon Murguía and Rod Gillum. A full and comprehensive search will be launched this quarter.

I genuinely look forward to continuing our work with focus and diligence. The foundation’s path forward as an institution is clear.

Sincerely

Sterling Speirn

Board Statement on Sterling K. Speirn Departure
Attributed to Rod Gillum, WKKF board chair

“Sterling Speirn has informed the board of trustees that he will be leaving his position as president and CEO of the W.K Kellogg Foundation at the end of next year. The board is grateful for Sterling’s service and appreciates his willingness to continue as president and CEO through Dec. 31, 2013, as we undertake a search for his replacement.
 
“Sterling has made many significant contributions to the foundation since he joined us in 2006. He led us through an historic transition that has connected our great legacy to addressing the current and future needs of vulnerable children. His leadership has left us well prepared to serve a vital role in a challenging world.
 
“Under his leadership, the foundation improved the lives of vulnerable children in America and abroad, by creating new systems that provide better, more affordable food, higher-quality education options and clear paths out of multi-generational poverty.  The foundation re-affirmed its commitment to promoting racial equity, fostering the opportunity for racial healing, and embedding civic and community engagement as the primary mechanism for effecting sustainable change.

“The foundation also made an explicit designation of priority places, where long-term commitments are in place with Michigan, New Mexico, Mississippi and New Orleans in the U.S., as well as Mexico and Haiti in the Latin America and Caribbean portfolio.
 
“Consistent with his outstanding service to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Sterling is committed to leading a smooth and seamless transition to preserve the momentum on the many critical initiatives currently underway.
 
“The foundation remains dedicated to its mission of supporting children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger society. The foundation supports vulnerable children in the areas of educated kids, healthy kids, secure families, racial equity and civic/community engagement.”