OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, March 10, 2021—The Kirkpatrick Family Fund is pleased to announce the hiring of Liz Charles as Senior Program Officer. Charles, who brings with her 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, began her new role at the Kirkpatrick Family Fund on March 1. “The Kirkpatrick Family Fund is thrilled to bring on board Liz Charles as our new Senior Program Officer,” said Christian Keesee, President of the Board of Trustees. “Ms. Charles’ collaborative leadership experience and commitment to excellence and results will be instrumental to the Family Fund’s efforts to build strategic and bold solutions across central Oklahoma.”
Driven by a passion for philanthropy, Charles’ first-hand understanding of the critical role funding plays in building thriving communities is palpable. A proven leader in nonprofit management, government affairs, community-building, leadership development, and philanthropy, she brings unan understandingf both the opportunities and challenges of improving community outcomes through nonprofit programming.
“I am thrilled to join the exceptional team at Kirkpatrick Family Fund, said Charles. “Having worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade, I understand all too well the critical role financial investment plays in shaping organizations, increasing access to services, and developing strong communities. I look forward to the opportunity to support our grantees as we work together to improve the quality of life for all Oklahomans.”
Prior to joining the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Charles served as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition, a statewide political organization working to build the collective power of Oklahomans to advance gender equity. During her timethere,e she engaged community partners, elected officials, and activists to promote forward-thinking policies aimed at dismantling systems of inequity and racism while honoring the people most often excluded from policy-making decisions.
“We look forward to the enthusiasm Liz Charles brings for supporting and investing in courageous organizations and leaders,” said Liz Eickman, Direct, – Kirkpatrick Family Fund. “Her dedication to local and statewide policy work and advocacy, improving community outcomes, and increasing access to the arts, humanities, education, and social services will be a tremendous benefit to the work of the Family Fund.”
To learn more about the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, visit www.kirkpatrickfamilyfund.org or call (405) 767-3702. The Kirkpatrick Family Fund was founded by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick in 1989 and is the largest affiliated fund in the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The organization remains committed to adhering to the priorities and guiding principles of its founders through the leadership of Trustee and President, Christian Keesee, the grandson of John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick
