One of Silicon Valley’s premier nonprofit foundations will no longer provide direct community services as its leader steps down amid the sudden change in mission.
Michele Lew, CEO of The Health Trust, first announced the foundation’s decision to hand off its community service programs, including Meals on Wheels and the Food Basket, through a news release in May. But her resignation as CEO was only revealed weeks later through a report requested by Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg. Lew announced her resignation one day after the report was made public, and is taking a senior leadership position at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.
Lew directed San José Spotlight to a spokesperson for The Health Trust when reached for comment.
She remains on the foundation’s board, the spokesperson said, and would not have resigned if she didn’t have confidence that The Health Trust and its existing team could continue being of benefit to the community through its ongoing policy advocacy and grant funding.