The California Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce leadership promotions and role updates that recognize the strength of our team and support stronger alignment as the foundation continues to advance health and racial justice in California.
Alex M. Johnson has been named Chief Strategy Officer, a newly created role. Caitlin Adams has been promoted to Vice President of Human Resources, with expanded oversight of IT and Facilities. Rochelle Witharana continues as Chief Financial and Investment Officer, with additional responsibility for Grants Management, Contracts, and Compliance.
“These leaders care deeply about our mission, our partners, and our staff,” said Richard Tate, President and CEO. “Their leadership strengthens how we work together—across strategy, grantmaking, communications, investments, and operations—and helps ensure we’re set up to do our best work.”
Alex M. Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer
As Cal Wellness’ first Chief Strategy Officer, Alex will lead Programs and Public Affairs, bringing together grantmaking, communications, government relations, and community engagement under one integrated strategy. Alex has deep roots at the foundation, having previously served in senior roles including Vice President of Public Affairs, Chief of Staff, and Program Director. He previously held leadership roles at Californians for Safety and Justice and the Children’s Defense Fund–California.
Caitlin Adams, Vice President of Human Resources
Caitlin’s promotion recognizes her leadership in cultivating a thoughtful, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. In her expanded role, she will also oversee IT and Facilities, helping ensure staff have the tools, technology, and environment needed to thrive. Caitlin joined the foundation in 2017 after serving as director of human resources at an independent private school in Los Angeles. Prior to that, she spent over a decade at The Broad Foundations & Family Office Financial Services, rising from associate to director of human resources.
Rochelle Witharana, Chief Financial and Investment Officer
Rochelle continues as Chief Financial and Investment Officer, with expanded responsibility for Grants Management, Contract Management, and Compliance. She joined Cal Wellness in 2016 and is a respected leader in the field of mission-aligned and impact investing. Rochelle’s career spans leadership roles in philanthropy, asset management, public pensions, and consulting, including senior positions at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Arizona State Retirement System.
We’re also pleased to recognize several colleagues whose new roles reflect their strong contributions and the foundation’s evolving priorities.
Alexa Alarcón, Communications Coordinator
Alexa’s title has been updated to Communications Coordinator. She joined Cal Wellness in 2024 and is an essential part of the communications team, supporting digital content and campaigns across the organization.
Stephanie Avedon, Contracts and Compliance Manager
Stephanie has been promoted to Contracts and Compliance Manager, reflecting the scope and complexity of the work she has been leading across contracts, compliance processes, and cross-departmental projects since joining the foundation in 2020.
Stephanie R. Myers, Senior Communications Officer
Stephanie has been promoted to Senior Communications Officer. She joined Cal Wellness in 2018 as Digital Communications Manager and has played a key role in evolving our digital communications and helping the foundation adapt to a rapidly changing communications landscape.
Jenny Wright, Director of Strategy and Planning
Jenny has been promoted to Director of Strategy and Planning, recognizing her leadership in integrating grantmaking processes and strengthening strategy practices across the organization. She joined Cal Wellness in 2020 and was promoted to Senior Program Officer in 2023.
Together, these promotions and role updates reflect our commitment to greater integration and alignment as we move toward implementing our new strategic framework, Building the Power to Be Well.