Elizabeth Cahill Joins the Surdna Foundation as Director of Communications and Engagement

The Surdna Foundation has appointed Elizabeth Cahill as Director of Communications and Engagement. She will help guide the foundation’s communication strategies and efforts to promote just and sustainable communities in the U.S., and support engagement of the Andrus family and other key audiences in the foundation’s work. She will begin on February 24, 2020.

In this role, Elizabeth is responsible for developing and overseeing the foundation’s communications strategy to advance its objectives and the work of its grantees. She will manage internal and external communications, leverage the foundation’s platforms and networks to extend its impact, and support engagement with the Andrus Family Philanthropy Program.

“I’m thrilled that Elizabeth is bringing her deep experience in philanthropy and commitment to social justice to our team,” said Don Chen, President of the Surdna Foundation. “We’re growing our communications capacity because we believe the strategies we deploy and stories we tell are directly connected to our ability to advance racial equity in the U.S.”

Elizabeth has over 15 years of experience helping foundations and nonprofits use strategic communications and digital engagement to bring about positive social change. Most recently, she served as Chief Communications Officer and previously Director of Digital Communications at The Atlantic Philanthropies. There she led communications to advance the foundation’s grantmaking priorities; share its impact and insights; and launch the Atlantic Fellows, a global leadership program and community for fairer, healthier, and more inclusive societies.

Earlier in her career, she oversaw digital strategy and information technology for the New York Philharmonic. Prior, she managed programs at BRIC and the Consortium for Worker Education to train and connect communities, organize workers, and promote civic innovation. She began her career teaching at Homes for the Homeless.

Elizabeth previously served on the board of the Narrative Initiative and is an active member of the Communications Network. She earned an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and a specialization in social impact strategy from the University of Pennsylvania.

“I’m inspired and honored to join the Surdna Foundation, which has long been a beacon of social justice and equity for so many of us in philanthropy,” said Elizabeth. “I’m excited to collaborate with the foundation’s staff, partners and the Andrus family to help realize their vision of a better world.”

Please contact:
Elizabeth Cahill, Director of Communications and Engagement
news@surdna.org | (212) 557-0010