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Tony Mestres New CEO At Seattle Foundation

Tony Mestres is the new president and CEO of the Seattle Foundation, replacing the retiring Norman B. Rice. He will begin his new role starting July 1.

Mestres, a former marketing executive at Microsoft, brings more than 12 years of philanthropic leadership to the foundation, which seeks to enhance philanthropy in Seattle and the surrounding King County. Mestres previously served as a partner and board member of Social Venture Partners, a 500-member organization that cultivates effective philanthropists. He also is president emeritus of the board of directors of Kindering, a nonprofit organization serving children with special needs and their families.

Martha Choe, president of Seattle Foundation’s board of trustees and chief administrator of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said that the Mestres was chosen to be Rice’s successor because he is “adept at navigating change.”

“With his wide-ranging capabilities and belief in the power of philanthropy, Tony will both enrich The Seattle Foundation’s legacy and enhance our impact going forward to continue improving our community,” said Choe.

In his role as president and CEO, Mestres’ first order of business will be to provide strategic direction and leadership to the organization which is the nation’s 20th largest community foundation, serving 1,200 families, businesses, and nonprofits and holding more than $800 million in charitable assets.

“More than a decade of deep involvement in Social Venture Partners and Kindering ignited my interest in the dynamic world of social impact,” said Mestres. “The chance to lead a philanthropic organization with such a rich legacy and abundant opportunity ahead aligned perfectly with my desire to move into a career of greater service and purpose.”