BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 15, 2016 – The Walton Family Foundation announced today that a new executive director will join the foundation this fall. Kyle Peterson, a managing partner and board member of leading nonprofit consulting firm FSG (formerly Foundation Strategy Group), brings 25 years of social innovation to the organization. He will be the third individual in foundation history to hold the position.

“Kyle is an innovative, entrepreneurial and idea-driven executive who will lead the foundation as we continue to focus on addressing important social issues through our philanthropy,” said Carrie Walton Penner, chair of the foundation’s board of directors.

Having led strategy, program design, operations and evaluation engagements with some of the world’s leading private and public organizations, Peterson joins the foundation during a time of strength. Grantmaking has grown from $58 million in 2000 to grants totaling nearly $375 million in 2015. This year the foundation announced plans to make grants of more than $2 billion through 2020.

“Ambitious, rigorous and system-oriented thinking is part of the Walton Family Foundation DNA,” said Peterson. “When that ethos combines with a dedication to addressing some of the most urgent challenges of our time, the results can transform our natural world and the lives of millions and their communities.”

After nearly three decades of grantmaking, the foundation remains committed to the long-term goals of:

• Dramatically expanding educational opportunity for all children, especially those in low-income communities;
• Restoring the health of oceans and preserving the quality and availability of fresh water; and
• Enhancing the quality of life for people living in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta region.

• “Kyle shares the principles that have guided our work for nearly 30 years – a focus on individual empowerment and delivering long-lasting results,” said Penner. “His fresh thinking and cross sector experience will lead the foundation as we further our scope and impact.”

Peterson will start in September and build on the work of Buddy Philpot, following his successful 15-year tenure as executive director of the foundation. Philpot announced last year his plans to move to a role with Walton Enterprises. He committed to staying with the foundation until a new executive director was named.

“This is an exciting time to join the Walton Family Foundation and an honor to lead the organization into its next chapter, building on impressive results, expert staff and new strategic plans in each program area,” said Peterson.

About the Walton Family Foundation
For nearly three decades, the Walton Family Foundation has continued the philanthropic vision begun by Sam and Helen Walton. Their legacy is more important than ever as the foundation accelerates efforts to improve K-12 education for all students in America, to protect rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and to give back to the region that first gave Sam and Helen Walton opportunity. In 2015, the Walton Family Foundation awarded grants totaling nearly $375 million. Learn more at www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org.