LOS ANGELES, CA (Nov. 19, 2024) –- The California Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California, and Kaci Patterson, Chief Architect of the Black Equity Collective and Social Good Solutions. Both leaders bring a wealth of expertise and deep commitment to advancing health and racial justice across California.
“We are thrilled to welcome John and Kaci to our board,” said Dr. Pamela J. Simms-Mackey, Chair of The California Wellness Foundation Board of Directors. “Their proven leadership, commitment to justice, and deep understanding of the challenges facing California's diverse communities will be invaluable as we work to advance health and racial equity across the state.”
Added Cal Wellness President and CEO Richard Tate: “These two are the real deal. John and Kaci model the kind of brave, creative, collaborative leadership we need to advance wellness in California. I'm so excited they've agreed to join us on the board, and we welcome the insights and inspiration they will bring to our work.”
The appointments of Kim and Patterson, both of whom lead organizations that are Cal Wellness grantees, are part of the foundation’s commitment to centering community leadership in decision-making.
At Catalyst California, Kim works to uplift the voices and needs of low-income communities of color to transform systems and expand opportunities for all. Through the innovation of new tools and the building of multi-racial coalitions, he has overseen the development of critical movement infrastructure used across the state and directly engaged in campaigns to redirect billions in public and private dollars.
“Given the results of this election, the strength and cohesion of our civic ecosystem in California is more important than ever,” Kim said. “The California Wellness Foundation has long been a critical leader in that ecosystem, and I cannot think of a better time to join the board.”
Patterson has spent her career championing the cause of Black communities in California. With her vision and strategic leadership, the Black Equity Collective has become a powerful force in building resources and infrastructure for Black-led organizations across the state. Her dedication to racial equity and community empowerment has inspired transformative change to address structural inequities and create pathways to opportunity and wellness.
"Joining the board of trustees of The California Wellness Foundation is a responsibility I don't take lightly,” Patterson said. “We are in one of the most consequential moments in history when our social, emotional, physical and community wellness all depend on the seriousness with which we approach racial justice. For our communities to be well, our community-based organizations must be well. It's motivating to be part of a leadership body that's bold in its vision, strategic in its execution, and unapologetic in its message about the catalyzing power of racial justice as the driving force for community wellness."
Kim and Patterson will begin their board service in January 2025. For more information about The California Wellness Foundation, please visit www.calwellness.org.