Debbie McKeon Named as New President & CEO of San Diego Grantmakers

After an extensive nationwide search, San Diego Grantmakers (SDG) is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new President & CEO Debbie McKeon. Debbie joins SDG after previously serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Council of Michigan Foundations and will take up her new role on April 8th.

“We are excited to have Debbie join our team after a thoughtful and inclusive transition and search process. Debbie’s skills, expertise and energy for innovative, systems-level change was key as we sought a leader that could help us achieve our goal of an equitable, collaborative, and impactful social change ecosystem that improves the lives of all residents in our region,” said SDG Board Chair, Steve Eldred.

“I am honored to join San Diego Grantmakers to build upon the successes of its nationally recognized initiatives such as the Social Equity Collaborative Fund and Military Transition Support Project, which ultimately became zero8hundred, and other sector leading innovations, especially in impact investing, education and addressing homelessness,” McKeon said. “I am keen to serve this dynamic membership as it leads work to grow impact, championing equity and opportunity for all,” she noted.

McKeon brings extensive experience in designing and supporting cross-sector collaborative impact models, especially utilizing network and systems change practices and building public-private partnerships. She is nationally recognized for her expertise and innovative approaches in philanthropy, nonprofit capacity building, and business development and is a frequent speaker at national convenings to share her learnings. Former positions include executive director of NorthSky Nonprofit Network (MI) and managing director & CEO of the Youth Orchestra of the Americas, both of which she was a founder. Recent state level board positions include the Michigan Association of United Ways and Michigan Humanities Council.

“I am motivated by a deep commitment to the values, mission and unbridled potential of SDG and am eager to position this organization as an authentic and catalytic partner of the San Diego community.” – Debbie McKeon

“Building upon the 40 years of work and investments by SDG and its members in the region and demonstrating a conviction to its values by taking risks and being bold on behalf of those it serves, this next chapter will be focused on the work to create systems and opportunities that lead to equity for all. This commitment also places SDG in a leadership role nationally and I can’t be prouder to join SDG at a time when our opportunity to be an ally to those that are currently and historically marginalized is more powerful than ever,” McKeon said.