Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation launches search for new CEO

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation is seeking a new chief executive officer as part of a long-planned transition strategy.

Katherine Lorenz, who has served the foundation since 2011, will step down when the new CEO begins. San Francisco-based Waldron has been retained to manage the search.

"The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation is seeking a new CEO who is passionate about the field of family philanthropy and committed to high impact. The ideal candidate will understand the complex issues at the core of our grantmaking programs, our grantees, and the political landscape of both Texas and the U.S.—and, importantly, will collaborate with our board to lead us toward the most effective execution of our mission," chair of the board Grant Mitchell said in an announcement.

"This transition has been in motion for several years and is on track with our original plan: that the foundation would eventually have an all-family board and non-family staff. Katherine will work closely with the new chief executive during this transition and throughout his/her tenure."

(Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle) Visitors stand on a bridge spanning across Cook's Branch stream while at the 5,650 acres of Cook's Branch Conservancy in Montgomery County north of Houston, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. Operated as a program of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, Cook's Branch Conservancy offers a rare glimpse into what nearly a century of regeneration looks like in the Pineywoods region of East Texas. 

The Texas-based grantmaking organization focuses on programs involving change in both policy and practice in Texas. Its interests include clean energy, land conservation, shale sustainability, sustainability education and water. The foundation supports community development work in Galveston, along with other issues that reflect the values and vision of the late Cynthia and George Mitchell.

"It has been an incredible honor to work with my family during this pivotal time in the life of the foundation," Lorenz said in an announcement. "I look forward to working with our first non-family chief executive in helping to carry out my grandparent's philanthropic legacy."

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