August 1, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota—The Wilson Foundation is pleased to announce that Jean Sazevich will be joining the Foundation as its first Executive Director on August 31, 2023.

Jean has more than 30 years of professional experience working in the philanthropic sector, including having served as the Executive Director of The Sheltering Arms Foundation, Program Officer with The Pohlad Family Foundation, and as a Philanthropic Advisor with The Minneapolis Foundation.

Her consulting engagements have included facilitating the work of The Heading Home MN Funders Collaborative, serving as the Managing Director of The Horst Rechelbacher Foundation, and assisting Room & Board with its corporate giving initiatives.

“The Wilson Foundation is deeply committed to providing pathways out of poverty and enabling environmental sustainability,” said John Wilson, Wilson Foundation founder and President. “Jean is fully aligned with the vision of the Foundation and her deep philanthropic experience makes her ideally suited to the role of Executive Director.”

“The Board is confident that Jean’s expertise, values, network, and work ethic make her an excellent fit to lead the Foundation,” said Dan Fick, Board Member of the Wilson Foundation.

“I am excited to join the Wilson Foundation in this important role at this formative time in its early history,” said Sazevich. The Board of Directors is committed to growing the Foundation’s work in ways that are collaborative and use a trust-based approach to grantmaking. I feel honored to be working with the Board to further shape the Foundation’s priorities and facilitate meaningful community partnerships.”

Jean lives in South Minneapolis and currently serves on the Board of The Minneapolis Parks Foundation. She grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

About the Wilson Foundation

The Wilson Foundation is a private foundation based in New Brighton, Minnesota. It was founded in 2021 by John R. Wilson, serial entrepreneur in the field of biotechnology and currently CEO of Wilson Wolf Manufacturing Company. The Wilson Foundation is committed to supporting impactful organizations, programs and initiatives and intends to use a model of trust-based philanthropy in carrying out its work. To learn more about the Wilson Foundation visit: www.wilsonfoundationmn.org.