The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Burnett and Sarah Stephens to its Board of Trustees.
As members of the Packard family, Burnett and Stephens embody a longstanding tradition of service and stewardship. Their professional and philanthropic experiences, combined with their deep connection to the Foundation’s mission, will help guide the organization as it works to advance justice and equity, protect the natural world, and support families and communities.
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah and Christopher to the Board,” said Nancy Lindborg, President and CEO of the Packard Foundation. “They bring both a deep connection to the Packard family’s legacy and a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, strengthening communities and families, and protecting our natural world. Their leadership and experience will help guide the Foundation as we pursue enduring solutions for just societies and a healthy, resilient natural world.”
Burnett and Stephens join the Packard Foundation Board of Trustees effective January 1, 2026.
Christopher Burnett
Christopher Burnett is the President of the Long Ridge Foundation and Long Ridge Action Fund, where he has led the Vision-to-Strategy process to align programs with impact goals aimed at creating a more equitable society. Through grant support and policy advocacy, the Long Ridge Foundation works to strengthen voting rights, human rights, immigrant rights, and education.
As a Trustee of the San Francisco Foundation, one of the nation’s largest community foundations, Burnett helps mobilize resources and advance initiatives that build strong communities, foster civic leadership, and advance racial equity and economic inclusion in the Bay Area. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) for over a decade, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and fellow board members to help guide the Institute’s strategic roadmap and support research innovation.
In addition to his philanthropic and governance commitments, Burnett has a background in real estate development and restaurant management, and he holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.
“I am inspired by the Packard Foundation’s dedication to supporting civil societies, protecting and restoring our natural world, investing in families and communities, and advancing scientific innovation,” said Christopher Burnett. “I look forward to bringing my experience, insights, and commitment to these values to the Board of Trustees, supporting the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable future.”
Sarah Stephens
Sarah Stephens is an apparel design leader at REI Co-op, where she has built a career creating innovative products that inspire people of all backgrounds to get active and connect with the outdoors. As Lead Apparel Designer for the Sportswear + Active lines, she oversees design teams focused on developing sustainable, high-performing apparel that reflects REI’s values of inclusivity and access to the outdoors.
For over a decade at REI, Stephens has helped shape the company’s design process and championed initiatives that expand participation in outdoor recreation. She led the creation of REI’s first gender-inclusive sizing and fitness collections and advanced design practices that elevate diverse voices and perspectives across the organization.
She also brings nonprofit leadership experience, serving as a National Council Member for the National Park Foundation and on the Northwest Advisory Board for the Trust for Public Land.
Stephens has a B.A. in Spanish Literature and Language from Vanderbilt University and an A.A.S. in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design.
“I am honored to join the Packard Foundation’s Board of Trustees at a time when philanthropy plays such a vital role in strengthening communities and addressing urgent global challenges,” said Sarah Stephens. “My family has always instilled in me the importance of aligning values with action, which has guided my career and advocacy for climate and reproductive health. I look forward to engaging with the Foundation’s partners and contributing to work that creates meaningful impact both globally and in the communities we call home.”
Burnett and Stephens join a distinguished group of leaders guiding the Foundation’s efforts to invest in children and families, protect and restore our natural world, and create just and inclusive societies.
