February 1, 2022
The California Wellness Foundation has announced the appointment of Lori A. Cox as its new Vice President of Programs, effective April 18.
Cox currently leads the Alameda County Social Services Department, the County’s largest agency with a budget of over $850 million and 2700 employees and responsibility for allocating over $100 million annually to community serving organizations.
Cox began with the Social Services Agency in 1995 as a Child Welfare Worker in the Department of Children & Family Services, promoting up to Division Director in 2004. She briefly served as Assistant Agency Director for the Economic Benefits Department in 2010 before being appointed director. Prior to the Social Services Agency, she held roles with nonprofit organizations including the Community Centers of Indianapolis, the East Bay Perinatal Council, Frago Treatment Center and Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS). Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Hayward.
“Lori brings a keen strategic mindset, public policy expertise, and a collaborative spirit to Cal Wellness," said Judy Belk, president and CEO of Cal Wellness. “She’s a visionary and a social change agent, so I’m looking forward to partnering with her as we set our programmatic strategy for the next decade.”
“I’m so excited about this opportunity because it allows me to bring my experience in public service into a new realm. I loved my time in public service because for years, I worked with people throughout Alameda County committed to making systems work better for individuals, families and communities,” said Cox. “This position will allow me to bring that sense of urgency to help improve people’s lives, along with my knowledge of public service and community-based organizations to the philanthropic realm. Joining this foundation with its diverse board and staff committed to using its dollars and its voice to advance social and racial justice in California is the perfect next step for me.”
About The California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation’s mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments and safe neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1992, Cal Wellness has awarded more than $1.1 billion in charitable contributions and 10,600 grants.