Alesha Washington

Alesha Washington is the President & CEO of Seattle Foundation. In her role, she leads efforts to inspire transformative philanthropy to foster a joyful region of shared prosperity, belonging, and justice. 

Prior to the Seattle Foundation, she was the program director for Vibrant Neighborhoods and Inclusive Economy at the George Gund Foundation. She led democracy building and civic engagement strategies statewide, and regional grantmaking to bolster community revitalization and economic growth. Prior to her work in philanthropy, Alesha held senior government relations roles with Greater Cleveland Partnership, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, and the Centers for Families and Children. 

Alesha serves on the boards of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Effective Philanthropy. She is a 2015 American Marshall Fellow of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Alesha received her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and her Masters of Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University.