Alex M. Johnson has been appointed interim vice president of programs at the California Wellness Foundation, effective August 2, following Fatima Angeles’ departure. Johnson will lead Cal Wellness’ program team, which includes oversight of Cal Wellness’ grantmaking and program-related investments. He will report to the president/CEO and serve on the foundation’s executive management committee.
“Alex is a dedicated leader, committed to centering community voice, equity and racial justice in all of our work,” said Judy Belk, Cal Wellness president and CEO. “He brings tremendous cross-sector leadership experience to the role, having previously served on the Los Angeles County Board of Education, California Racial Identity and Profiling Advisory Board, and currently serving as a member of the Trust for Public Land, California Advisory Board.”
Johnson has been with Cal Wellness since 2018, and currently serves as program director for the Community Well-Being portfolio, which focuses on community environments, violence prevention and healing justice, and youth justice. Jamie Schenker, currently Community Well-being program officer, will step into the role of interim program director, effective August 2.
Prior to joining Cal Wellness, Johnson was managing director at Californians for Safety and Justice. Before CSJ, he was executive director of Children’s Defense Fund-California where he led statewide advocacy, policy, program and organizing efforts. He also served as a senior policy advisor for former county supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
“Cal Wellness’ vision for grantmaking and program-related investments is strategic and steadfastly focused on ensuring the health and wellness of our most impacted communities,” said Johnson. “My colleagues on the program team bring tremendous knowledge, capacity, and commitment that will enable us to move deftly through this transition.”
Cal Wellness will conduct a nationwide search for a permanent VP of Programs.
About The California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation’s mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments and safe neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1992, Cal Wellness has awarded more than $1.1 billion in charitable contributions and 10,600 grants.