Easley steps into elevated role after a decade of committed leadership as the foundation marks 20 years of investing in healthier communities
CAMBRIDGE, MA (November 3, 2025) — Today, Wagner Foundation announced the promotion of Caroline Easley to the role of Executive Director, a newly established position that reflects a pivotal moment in the foundation’s history. Marking its 20th anniversary, Wagner is celebrating two decades of investing in healthier communities around the world with expanded leadership that comes alongside a refreshed visual identity, signaling a new and equally committed chapter for the Cambridge, MA based foundation. Easley, who joined the foundation in 2015 and most recently served as Deputy Director, will continue to lead efforts in executing the foundation’s strategic vision and funding priorities, working toward health equity, economic wellbeing, and a vibrant, resilient art ecosystem.
In her new role, Easley will work in close partnership with Wagner Foundation’s Founder and President, Charlotte Wagner, to translate the Foundation’s vision and values into strategic direction and operational effectiveness. She will orchestrate across departments to ensure the Foundation’s grantmaking is coordinated, strategic, and grantee-centered and will serve as an advocate for grantee partners to advance their shared goals.
Caroline embodies the very spirit of Wagner Foundation’s accompaniment approach, leading with humility, deep listening, and an unwavering commitment to equity. This promotion is reflective of her outstanding leadership within the organization and her deep impact across the philanthropic field, we could not imagine a better person to step into this critical new role.
Charlotte Wagner, Founder and President, Wagner Foundation
During her tenure as Deputy Director, Easley has overseen the foundation’s strategic alignment and operational growth, helping to shape grantmaking priorities across Wagner Foundation’s three core areas: Health Equity, Economic Wellbeing, and Art & Culture. She has been instrumental in building a mission-driven team and fostering a culture grounded in collaboration, learning, and trust.
“I am honored to step into the Executive Director role at the foundation after 10 years of learning alongside our President and incredible partners. I’ve been inspired daily by the dedication of our team and the continued impact and resilience of our partners,” said Easley. “As I look to this next chapter, I remain committed to center our values as an organization, accompany our partners who guide the direction of our work and use my voice to advocate for long-term, systems change and the equal value of all people.”
Easley began her career in strategic communications and advertising, previously working as an Account Supervisor at Boston-based Hill Holliday, an experience that continues to inform her leadership. She believes in the power of storytelling to unite people around a shared goal and to shift mindsets.
Easley received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington and in 2021 completed the “Facilitative Leadership™ for Social Change” workshop through the Interaction Institute for Social Change. She previously served on the steering committee for the Boston Chapter of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) from 2018 to 2021.
The Foundation’s creation of this role reflects the growth of the organization over the past decade and a commitment to ensure long-term impact, grantee-centered practices, and sustainable leadership. Easley will be based at Wagner Foundation’s Cambridge, MA office and will oversee a team of nine.