Sandra Nathan has extensive executive leadership experience in philanthropy, government and the nonprofit sector.
Sandra currently serves as Managing Director, Operations for Humanity United. Humanity United is a global foundation dedicated to cultivating the conditions for enduring freedom and peace. Prior to joining Humanity United, Sandra served as Principal and CEO for Apodictic Consultants, which provided strategic consulting and transitional leadership to philanthropy, nonprofits and government. Sandra served as Interim Executive Director for the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice in NYC, and prior to that Interim Executive Director of Philanthropy Southwest, the oldest philanthropy serving organization in the United States.
Before moving into transitional leadership, Sandra had several stints as a senior leader in community foundations. These included the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona in Tucson where she served as Senior Vice President of Philanthropic and Community Services. In that role she was the chief strategist for foundation’s grantmaking, community investment opportunities and led in the use of diverse capital streams including equity and debt. She also oversaw the work of CFSA’s affiliated partner organizations, including the African American Initiative, the Alliance (LGBTQ) Fund, the Latino Giving Circle, and the Santa Cruz Community Foundation.
Sandra served in a similar role as Vice President of Grants and Loans at the Marin Community Foundation, where she oversaw grantmaking for the Buck Trust, an endowment of over $900 million. In that role, she managed strategic grantmaking in excess of $20 million annually, all in support of MCF’s strategic initiatives, community grants, and loans.
Sandra’s earlier experience in philanthropy included her role as Chief Executive Officer for the Richmond Children’s Foundation, where she oversaw place-based initiatives, and led the organization through a process of conversion to a community Foundation.
Sandra’s background also includes executive leadership in nonprofits at the national and local levels. She served as Executive Vice President for the National Council on Aging in Washington, DC; Regional Director for AARP in Dallas, Texas, and Washington Director for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Highlights of Sandra’s public sector career include Department head for the City of Oakland, and City and County of San Francisco. She also served as Deputy County Executive for Santa Clara County where she oversaw criminal justice, public safety and social services functions for the county.
Sandra has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of San Diego, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from National University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Christian Education. She also holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School.
With a passion for giving back, Sandra serves on the Board of Directors of Northern California Grantmakers, UC Berkeley Pacific School of Religion, the Tohono Chul Park Foundation, and Equality Arizona.
