Local Voices
Mark Friedman Becomes CEO of Thomas J. Long Foundation
The Thomas J. Long Foundation of Walnut Creek has announced that Mark Friedman has become Chief Executive Officer of the organization. Friedman joins the Foundation from First 5 Alameda County, where he was CEO since 1999, leading the non-profit’s innovative early childhood programs in early care and education, health care and family support.
The Long Foundation has been a long-time partner of Alameda First 5 having contributed $1.3 million to the organization over the past four years.
Friedman will lead the Long Foundation’s new philanthropic impact strategy to disburse multi-year major grants to critical needs initiatives in Alameda and Contra Costa counties over the next eight years. These impact grant initiatives will be focused in the areas of Education, Disabled Services, Senior Services and Safety Net Services. By the year 2022, the Foundation will spend-out its $90 million endowment.
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“We are thrilled to have Mark join our team as we embark on this ambitious and exciting next chapter for the Foundation,” said Sidne Long, Chair of the Board of Trustees and daughter of Thomas J. Long. “Having worked with Mark over the years, we know that his values and experience are very much aligned with our goals for how and where we can make the highest and most-lasting impact on our East Bay communities
In addition to the four major strategic initiatives, the Foundation will continue its responsive Community Grants Program that has been in place since 1972. Supporting organizations in the arts, education, conservation, and health and human services, in 2013 the Foundation awarded 230 responsive grants totaling more than $6 million.
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“I am pleased to join the Foundation at such an important time that will help define the organization’s enduring legacy in the East Bay,” said Mark Friedman, incoming CEO. “I look forward to continuing the tradition of caring that Longs Drugs Stores have always been known for and to working with nonprofit organizations and community leaders to make a positive impact on the lives of so many people in our East Bay communities.”
Friedman was appointed by Governor Brown to the California State Advisory Council on Early Learning and Care. He is a former Mayor of El Cerrito and is a Councilmember on the El Cerrito City Council, where he currently resides.
