Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO and Leadership

CEO at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, impatient optimist, father, former journalist, and avid learner. He/Him/His.

As Chief Strategy Officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, I serve as a principal advisor to the Co-Chairs, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team on the foundation’s overall strategic opportunities, and trade-offs. I lead the Foundation Strategy Office, which is responsible for enabling the highest and best use of our resources to accelerate the foundation’s impact.

I grew up in India watching my parents donate most of their time, energy, and money to help others. I also saw firsthand India’s rapid progress on reducing poverty, child mortality and pushing the boundaries of economic development through a mix of smart policies, human ingenuity and a sense of urgency. This upbringing and mentality has been foundational to my perspectives and purpose. With the fundamental belief that the world can be a lot better, I want to fight the solvable injustices of our time with a healthy mix of heart and head. I bring the best of what I’ve learnt across the private sector, public sector, philanthropy and academia to this high-stake fight.

The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice

Financial professional with experience and expertise in planning, analysis, finances and investments. Successfully led major systems and organizational change initiatives.

Connie Collingsworth leads many of the foundation’s operational functions including Information Technology, Human Resources, Legal, Global Security, and Grants and Contracts Services. She is also the foundation’s chief legal officer.

CEO at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, impatient optimist, father, former journalist, and avid learner. He/Him/His.