Chris DeCardy joined the Foundation in 2002 as director of communications and was promoted to director of communications and program services in 2004. He was promoted again in 2006 to the position of vice president and director of communications where he managed the integration of the Foundation’s communications and evaluation functions as well as oversaw organizational effectiveness, local grantmaking and program-related investments. He has led several cross-Foundation initiatives to improve program impact and worked closely with the president and CEO on day-to-day operations. Promoted to his current role as vice president and director of programs in 2010, DeCardy has day-to-day oversight of all Foundation grantmaking and provides program directors with strategic advice and assistance in implementation. He continues to supervise the communications and evaluations functions as well as work with the CEO and Board on special grantmaking and other initiatives.

Prior to joining the Foundation, DeCardy worked for seven years at Environmental Media Services (EMS), first as associate director and then as executive director from 1998 to 2002. At EMS, he designed and implemented campaigns to improve and expand media coverage of environmental issues.

DeCardy holds a degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. DeCardy serves on the board of Northern California Grantmakers and in an advisory capacity to a number of nonprofit organizations.