Abell Foundation VP Leaves to Pursue Exciting New Venture

The Abell Foundation, the largest private foundation in Maryland focused on Baltimore City, announced today that Lynn Heller is leaving her role as Vice President of the Foundation and Sheryl Goldstein has been selected to succeed her.

Ms. Heller is leaving the Foundation to launch a new Baltimore-based social impact fund aimed at bringing the economic benefits of clean energy to low-income communities. Early in her tenure at the Foundation, Ms. Heller identified that low-income communities were at risk of being left behind as the city and state move toward a clean energy future. In an effort to change that trajectory, Ms. Heller created the Climate Access Fund.

As the Foundation's Vice President since 2013, Ms. Heller has overseen the Foundation's operations and directed its environmental grantmaking. During her tenure, Ms. Heller streamlined the Foundation's grants management system, upgraded the technology and communications systems, and doubled the size of its environmental grants portfolio. "Lynn brought tremendous intelligence, passion, and innovation to her work at the Foundation," said Abell Foundation President Robert C. Embry, Jr. "We will miss her many contributions and wish her great success as she continues her important work at the intersection of climate change and social equity."

The Foundation is pleased to welcome Sheryl Goldstein to succeed Ms. Heller. Ms. Goldstein is currently the Managing Director of Programs and Grants at The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, where she provides leadership and day-to-day support to the Weinberg Foundation's program and grants team. Since her arrival at the Weinberg Foundation in 2013, Ms. Goldstein also has directed its U.S. Education grantmaking. Ms. Goldstein spearheaded the development of Weinberg's early childhood education strategy, a three-year $4.6 million effort aimed at improving access to quality early learning opportunities in Baltimore, and led the creation of the Summer Funding Collaborative, a partnership of 11 funders that provides over $3 million annually to community based organizations that operate high quality summer programs for children and youth in Baltimore City.

Before arriving at Weinberg, Ms. Goldstein directed the Mayor's Office on Criminal Justice in Baltimore from 2007 to 2012. Previously, she held senior posts with the Center for Court Innovation in New York City and the Baltimore County Executive's Office.

"Sheryl is a highly respected leader who brings an extraordinary level of experience across a wide range of areas," said Embry. "She is also fervent in her commitment to Baltimore City and working to advance opportunity for people who live here. We are fortunate that she has agreed to bring her considerable knowledge and skills to the Foundation."

Ms. Heller will be stepping down on January 19. Ms. Goldstein will begin her new role on February 20. 

Source: The Abell Foundation