Janice Thomas

The Meyer Foundation’s long-term commitment to racial equity resonates deeply with me — as a woman of color in the Greater Washington region, this work is personal. I’m inspired by the Foundation’s push to move beyond treating the symptoms of inequity and toward confronting the root causes that perpetuate that inequity.

As the Foundation’s President & CEO, I work alongside our team, senior leadership, and board to set the strategic direction of the Foundation as we partner with and resource organizations building power to achieve a racially and economically just Greater Washington. I work to foster an organization where everyone is positioned to do their best work, and manage our resources in a way that remains true to our beliefs, mission, and vision.

My commitment to this work runs deeper than any job title. A sense of service has always guided me — through my church, public service organizations, and every role I’ve held. As Director of Finance at the Consumer Health Foundation (now iF, A Foundation for Radical Possibility) and Chief Financial Officer at the Freddie Mac Foundation, I saw firsthand how philanthropy can propel catalytic change. In my previous role as Chief Operating Officer at Meyer, I learned that as strong as the philanthropic sector can be, the problems in our communities cannot be solved by philanthropy alone; they require all of us to work together beyond our silos in genuine partnership.

What sustains me in this work is the people. I’m moved by the passion my colleagues bring every day and inspired by their deep commitment to building a more equitable region.

I joined the Foundation in 2013.