Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, D.C.— On Wednesday, January 29, Children’s Defense Fund President and Chief Executive Officer, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, assumed the gavel as chair of the Board of Trustees for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). He was elected to the role in July 2024, after serving as a trustee since January 2022. He chaired the Nominating and Governance Committee for the last year.
Succeeding Kathryn S. Fuller, JD, the first woman to chair the RWJF Board, Dr. Wilson is the first Black person and first faith leader to guide the governing body in the foundation’s 52-year history. He will continue leading CDF and CDF Action, a related grassroots lobbying and advocacy organization, as he takes on new duties at RWJF.
“I am honored to serve the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and my colleagues on the Board of Trustees at this critical time for achieving health equity for children and families in America,” Dr. Wilson said. “RWJF is leading the field of philanthropy in confronting structural racism as an impediment to health and its tradition of healthy governance helps to make this possible. I’m pleased to partner with Dr. Besser and the board to continue this progress.”
A statement from Dr. Richard Besser, RWJF President and Chief Executive Officer, on January 23, condemned executive orders from the President of the United States to end DEI and health initiatives. Besser’s words framed the critical nature of this moment and demonstrated RWJF’s leadership.
“At RWJF, we will continue to defend and advance fundamental American values of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the urgency this moment requires…” Dr. Besser said. “Our grantees and partners have for decades worked relentlessly to build a healthier, more equitable future for everyone. In these days of backlash and backsliding, we at RWJF must match our commitment and resolve to transform health in our lifetime. We will.”
RWJF is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, they work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity faster and pave the way together to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.
“I am thrilled to welcome Rev. Dr. Wilson as the next Board chair of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,” Dr. Besser said. “He brings a legacy of inspired leadership and transformative policies that have enhanced the health of children and communities. His dynamic vision will be instrumental in driving our mission forward and ensuring a future where health is no longer a privilege but a right.”
Dr. Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Xavier University of Louisiana, a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Duke University. He is currently chair of the Board of Visitors for Duke University’s Divinity School.