24 Mar Board of Directors Announcement: Bill O’Brien and Dr. Laura Germine
Technology forward foundation enters next phase of growth with two additions to the board
As we enter our next phase of growth, we are excited to announce the appointment of Bill O’Brien as our new Executive Director and Laura Thi Germine, Ph.D., to our board of directors.
“As the Givinga Foundation continues to democratize giving for everyday donors in the United States, the appointments of Bill and Laura will bring respective expertise that the foundation will need to tackle rapid growth, combined with the understanding that technology can empower great change,” said Joe Phoenix, President of the Board of Directors.
Bill and Laura are key to continuing our efforts to increase the number of philanthropic accounts for companies and employees and push more donations to charity, aligning with our main principle that everyone deserves an equal and meaningful impact. “Nonprofits are facing exciting and challenging times, and Donor Advised Funds have become extraordinarily popular. It is the foundation’s responsibility to focus on the democratization of DAFs and the expedited delivery of donations to approved charities,” said Bill.
Having been on the Givinga Foundation board since 2019, Bill brings extensive sales and technology executive experience to his new role. He has worked with high-growth global technology companies, including IBM, AT&T, and Lotus Development Corporation. Bill was also a Principal Consultant with Waypoint 356. He is a passionate advocate for several nonprofit organizations within the Boston area and is particularly focused on supporting and enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With vast philanthropic knowledge and an impressive career in the medical field, Laura joins Bill on the board. Laura is Director of the Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Health Technology at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She is also the Founder and President of the Many Brains Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to open science and brain health equity. Her work is centered on improving the lives of people who suffer from cognitive and mental health challenges. Laura is a mentor and advocate for women in science and technology, and a proud supporter of organizations that promote women entrepreneurs, especially in South and Southeast Asia.
“Charitable giving is a means to exercise voice and political power in a well-functioning democracy. Access to the most efficient and effective vehicles for charitable giving should not be restricted to the wealthiest individuals. The Givinga Foundation is changing that and making it easier for anyone to donate to the causes that most impact their communities,” said Laura.
By introducing technology into the Givinga Foundation’s model through our technology partner Givinga, we plan to open the market to generations of new, young philanthropists who will have a long term and measurable impact on some of the world’s most pressing issues.
