Background
Liz Russel McNamee is a senior associate partner at Bellwether and leads the organization’s work on effective philanthropy.
Liz has nearly 20 years of experience in philanthropy, education, and social innovation, and she specializes in helping funders and nonprofits align their investments, advance their mission, and maximize impact.
Prior to joining Bellwether in 2019, Liz worked with several leading foundations and nonprofit consulting firms, including the Robin Hood Foundation (Robin Hood), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and TCC Group.
As a senior program officer at the Robin Hood, Liz helped craft the strategy for the $25 million Learning + Technology Fund and oversaw the foundation’s investments in literacy, college access and success, and personalized learning. She oversaw several funder collaboratives and public-private partnerships, including an $81 million partnership with New York City and several private funders to bring computer science education to all public school students. She also cultivated a merger that led to the creation of Blue Ridge Labs (a technology-focused social innovation incubator) within Robin Hood. Earlier in her career, as a member of the Pioneer Portfolio at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Liz collaborated with grantees to introduce disruptive innovations in health and health care.
Liz earned an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.
Why I Do This Work
Ensuring all kids have access to a high-quality education is one of the most important and enduring forces for counteracting and dismantling structural inequality. I believe that with a shared sense of commitment and smart allocation of resources, our communities can and must give every child an excellent education that opens doors to limitless opportunity in life.
Focus Areas
Effective Philanthropy
Measurement and Continuous Improvement
Place-Based Approaches
Contact Information
liz.mcnamee@bellwether.org
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