National Center for Family Philanthropy Names Katherine Lorenz and Doug Bitonti Stewart Fellows in Family Philanthropy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two of family philanthropy’s brightest young leaders — Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation President Katherine Lorenz and Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation Executive Director Doug Bitonti Stewart — have been named Fellows by the National Center for Family Philanthropy.

In their roles, Lorenz and Stewart will work with NCFP and the family philanthropy community to inform and shape resources for the field and frame discussion of critical issues. They will also have the opportunity to identify and advance issues of personal concern within the context of NCFP’s research and educational agenda.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with two dynamic and forward- looking leaders who represent the future of family philanthropy,” said NCFP President Virginia Esposito. “Katherine and Doug have established themselves as two of the most important voices in our field — and these fellowships will allow them to advance their knowledge and work, while also advancing the practice of family philanthropy.”

Lorenz and Stewart will devote considerable time over the next two years meeting with leaders, conducting research, writing, and speaking about issues important to families and professionals who lead family foundations.

Their work will be shaped by their distinct backgrounds in family philanthropy. At the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, Lorenz serves her organization as both its president and as a member of the family that bears its name. From this perspective, she is keenly aware of both the challenges and tremendous opportunities that come from involving multiple generations of the same family in philanthropic decisions.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to focus my attention on how to help families move toward having more impact with their giving,” Lorenz said. “This fellowship will provide me with the chance to broaden my horizons by talking to other families about how they approach their work. I plan to take the lessons I learn and not only apply them to my work, but share what I’m learning with others.”

Stewart brings a unique insight as the first executive director of the Max. M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation — a role he has held since 2007. As a longtime philanthropy professional with extensive experience in fundraising, capacity building, and management, he views family philanthropy through a different lens.

“I’m looking forward to learning alongside amazing leaders in family philanthropy, including Katherine,” Stewart said. “More importantly, I’m optimistic that, together, we’ll be able to help the field. Family philanthropy needs to be constantly learning and moving forward — and we need to find ways to create new leaders and to strengthen emerging leaders. That’s what’s happening with this fellowship.”

NCFP created its Fellowship program to nurture and showcase leadership talent for the field of family philanthropy. In 2014, it announced Susan Packard Orr, chair of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, as its first Distinguished Fellow, acknowledging a rich body of philanthropic wisdom. Alice Buhl serves as NCFP’s Senior Fellow and offers special experience in family philanthropy through writing, research and her work with NCFP staff.

About Katherine Lorenz

Katherine is president of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation and is frequently cited as one of the most engaging emerging voices in philanthropy.
Katherine formerly worked as deputy director for the Institute for Philanthropy, whose mission was to increase effective philanthropy in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Prior to that, Katherine lived in Oaxaca, Mexico for almost six years where she co- founded Puente a la Salud Comunitaria, a nonprofit organization working to advance food sovereignty in rural Oaxaca state through the integration of amaranth into the diet. She continues to be involved with Puente’s work as a board member.

Katherine serves on the board of directors of the Environmental Defense Fund, The Philanthropy Workshop (chair), the Endowment for Regional Sustainability Science, and the National Center for Family Philanthropy.

She was formerly a board member of Exponent Philanthropy, Resource Generation, the Amaranth Institute, and a member of the National Academies’ Roundtable of Science and Technology for Sustainability. Katherine is a member of the Global Philanthropists Circle of the Synergos Institute and serves on the Leadership Council of the Greater Houston Community Foundation. She served two years on the Council on Foundations Committee on Family Philanthropy and served on their 2012 and 2013 Family Philanthropy Conference Planning Task Force.

Katherine is a frequent guest speaker on topics related to environmental sustainability, next generation philanthropy, and non-profit leadership. She holds a B.A. in Economics and Spanish from Davidson College.

About Doug Bitonti Stewart

Doug Bitonti Stewart is the first Executive Director of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation in Detroit, Mich.

Prior to assuming that role in 2007, Doug had served organizations such as Michigan State University, Michigan Nonprofit Management Institute, the Arthritis Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Michigan and as Director of Development for Children’s and Women’s Health at the University of Michigan Health System.

Doug serves the philanthropic field and social impact sector through his work on the CEO Advisory Board of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, the Committee to Transform Michigan Philanthropy through Diversity and Inclusion of the Council of Michigan Foundations, and Development Summer Internship Advisory Board at the University of Michigan where he also served as a guest lecturer in the Org Studies program.

He serves on the boards of the Jewish Funders Network; Excellent Schools Detroit; is immediate past chair of The League Michigan, an organization promoting youth service and leadership throughout Michigan; and served on the 2014 and 2015 American Express NGen Leadership Award Selection Committee.

He earned his Master of Business Administration from the Max M. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University and holds an undergraduate degree in Finance from Michigan State University.

About the National Center for Family Philanthropy

The National Center for Family Philanthropy is the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to families who give and those who work for them. NCFP provides resources, expertise, and support to families that are looking to transform their values into effective giving that makes a lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Contact: Peter Panepento: (202) 531-3886 – peter.panepento@gmail.com