As part of our ongoing efforts to advance wellness for the people of California and live our commitment as a responsive foundation, we are thrilled to announce the additions of a director of communications and accounting manager to our team. We are excited to welcome the following new colleagues to Cal Wellness:
Mary Lou Fulton Joins as Director of Communications
Fulton brings over a decade of experience as a communications strategist and consultant who has worked as a director of narrative strategy with The California Endowment, created the first statewide campaign to end the overuse of racist school discipline policies and launched #SchoolsNotPrisons to fight mass incarceration through arts and culture. She values the foundation’s desire to be a bold force in philanthropy and is looking forward to creating innovative approaches that will elevate the importance of wellness across the state. Fulton will be based in Southern California.
“Mary Lou Fulton is an experienced communications leader and storyteller with trusted relationships and a desire to be bold, creative and innovative,” Alex M. Johnson, Cal Wellness' vice president of Public Affairs, said. “In hiring her, we were impressed with not only her leadership in the field, but her deep alignment with Cal Wellness’ mission and values. We are looking forward to her leadership, partnership with grantee partners, and deep strategic expertise.”
Ellen Pleitez Joins as Accounting Manager
Pleitez brings experience as an accounting manager in both the public and private sectors, including work with Oaktree Capital Management and PricewaterhouseCoopers, to Cal Wellness. She is committed to promoting wellness and community throughout her work and is looking forward to thriving in a values-aligned environment at the foundation.
"Ellen Pleitz’s extensive experience in financial reporting and investment accounting makes her an invaluable addition to our organization,” Rochelle Witharana, Cal Wellness’ chief financial officer, said. “Ellen's appointment underscores Cal Wellness’ commitment to excellence in financial stewardship, and we are excited about the contributions she will make to our team."
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 billion in charitable contributions and more than 10,000 grants.