Philanthropic Leader Douglas Nelson Named Chair of CDC Foundation Board

Douglas Nelson, retired president and CEO of The Annie E. Casey Foundation, has been named chair of the CDC Foundation board. Nelson joined the board in 2008.

“Doug brings a dedication and passion for advancing CDC’s 24/7 life-saving work that is critically important to our continued growth and success,” said Charles Stokes, president and CEO, CDC Foundation. “We are extremely fortunate to have in our new board chair such an experienced and talented leader.”

Nelson previously led The Annie E. Casey Foundation, one of the nation’s most influential and respected foundations. He is one of the nation’s leading advocates for children and one of the country’s foremost experts on policies and community-based responses to improve the lives of at-risk children and their families. Nelson assumed presidency of The Annie E. Casey Foundation in 1990, and led the foundation for 20 years.

Nelson is a member of the board of directors of the Carter Center and is former chair of Living Cities: The National Community Development Initiative; and the East Baltimore Development, Inc. He currently serves as a senior advisor to the Dane County Racial Disparities Reduction Project, a research based initiative to increase racial equity in Wisconsin’s capital county.

Nelson succeeds Gary Cohen, executive vice president at BD, who will remain on the board as an active member.