The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Arndorfer has been named U.S. Reproductive Health Director. In this role, Arndorfer will lead the Foundation’s grantmaking focused on protecting and expanding contraceptive and abortion access across the U.S. and will work across the organization in service of the Foundation’s vision and goals to build just societies, invest in families and communities, and protect and restore the natural world.    

“Elizabeth has been a key leader in our work to expand contraceptive and abortion access in the U.S. and specifically in Louisiana and Mississippi, where too many people face barriers to access,” said Ruth Levine, VP of Just Societies.  

For nearly 60 years, the Packard Foundation has funded reproductive health and rights in the U.S. and around the world ensuring that the rights of women and pregnant people to determine for themselves whether and when to become pregnant, to remain pregnant, or to have a child. Arndorfer has been supporting this work as a program officer since 2017. In 2022, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, she was instrumental in mobilizing an additional $14.1 million in grants to national and state-based advocates addressing the devasting fallout of the Court’s decision. 

“The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to dismantle Roe v. Wade reversed decades of progress toward gender equity, reproductive health, and abortion care,” said Arndorfer. “And yet I am an optimist. I have the privilege and honor to support amazing leaders and organizations who are committed to reproductive freedom for everyone, no matter where they live, how they identify, or their financial situation. With these grantee partners leading the way, we will reach a better, most just future.” 

Before joining the Foundation, Arndorfer worked as a consultant to non-profits and foundations working on reproductive health and rights, sexual and domestic violence prevention, and eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals.  

Outside of work, Arndorfer enjoys keeping up with three kids, hiking, and reading detective novels. She holds a law degree from the University of California School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Santa Clara University.