Natividad Foundation’s board of directors has chosen its director of development Jennifer Williams, MA, CFRE, as its president and CEO.
“I believe in Natividad Foundation’s mission of bringing people together to improve the health of patients at Natividad,” said Williams. “I’m honored to work with our partners and community members to help Natividad provide high-quality health care and trauma services for everyone in Monterey County, including the vulnerable.”
She has provided interim leadership since January, and Natividad Foundation’s board of directors voted unanimously to appoint her on May 17 to the permanent position.
Williams joined the foundation’s staff in 2002 as the director of development. Over the last 17 years, she has written, secured and managed more than $10 million in federal and state grants for Natividad. Her work with more than 100 foundations and partners helps fund the foundation’s programs.
“The board is very impressed with Jennifer’s extensive knowledge of the foundation, ability to manage complex initiatives, and collaborative approach to problem solving,” said Dr. Minerva Perez-Lopez, Natividad Foundation chair and Natividad Medical Group family physician. “She is trusted, compassionate and responsible. She’s the right person to lead Natividad Foundation.”
Founded 30 years ago as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Natividad Foundation’s donors fund critical programs, medical equipment, services and modernization projects to enhance Natividad’s health care services. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a 172-bed hospital owned and operated by the County of Monterey. It offers inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty health care.
“Our donors are helping us save lives by providing funding for the very best medical equipment so our doctors and medical professionals have the equipment and resources they need to provide excellent care to every patient,” said Williams. “They’re also changing lives by philanthropically supporting effective programs for the vulnerable and underserved, including Indigenous Interpreting+®, CHOICE, Spiritual Care and the Patients Greatest Needs Fund.”
Born and raised in Ohio, Williams graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio, and with a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.
Williams has worked in hospital settings since the age of 15 when she first joined the Volunteer Auxiliary at her local city hospital. She has extensive experience in nonprofit management and governance. Williams is the former president of the board of directors for the Central Coast Center for Independent Living and served as vice president of communications for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Monterey Bay Chapter.
“I’m looking forward to my expanded role with Natividad Foundation and working with our community to take care of our community,” said Williams. “Together with our partners and donors, we’re improving the health and well-being of Monterey County.”
Williams can be reached at jennifer@natividadfoundation.org or (831) 755-4187.
