Leveling the playing field to ensure a fair chance for everyone.

Carla Javits was REDF president and CEO from 2007 – 2021.

Inspired by the leadership of REDF’s founder, George R. Roberts, Carla focused on achieving measurable results by leveraging the business community’s knowledge, networks, and resources, and the mission of the nonprofit sector to address some of our country’s most pressing challenges. In fighting to create a more inclusive society, Carla is carrying on the legacy of her father, New York Senator Jacob Javits.

Before joining REDF, Carla was president and CEO of the Corporation for Supportive Housing. In the 1980’s she was a program analyst with the California Office of the Legislative Analyst and Director of policy and planning for the San Francisco Department of Social Services. Carla was an appointee to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Future of Work Commission, which brought together California leaders in technology, labor, business, education, and venture capital. She also worked in the food and hospitality industry.

Carla holds a BA and master’s in public policy from UC Berkeley and an AA in Hotel and Restaurant Management from San Francisco City College. She serves on the board of directors of KQED and Third Sector Capital Partners, and the advisory boards of the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, America Forward, and Industrial Commons.