Phill and Liz Gross, Dwight and Kirsten Poler to Co-Chair 2019-2020 Annual Campaign for Civic Leadership

Boston – Phill Gross, Managing Director of Adage Capital, and Liz Gross, associate professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, will join Boston Foundation Director Dwight Poler of Bain Capital and his wife, Kirsten, as co-chairs of the Boston Foundation’s Annual Campaign for Civic Leadership for 2019-2020, the Foundation announced today. 

The Campaign seeks to raise $3,300,000 during the fiscal year, which runs through June 2020. 

The Annual Campaign for Civic Leadership fuels the Boston Foundation’s unique role as Boston’s community foundation. The Annual Campaign supports the Foundation’s research into key issues, its nonpartisan efforts to inform and educate policymakers and civic leaders, and its role as a convener for discussion of important local and national issues. More than 5,000 people attended Boston Foundation-sponsored forums and events at the Edgerley Center for Civic Leadership in the 2018-2019 season.

The 2019-2020 Campaign marks the first time that the effort will be co-chaired by couples working together to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s signature civic leadership efforts.

“The Boston Foundation relies on the support of a broad cross-section of donors to fulfill our mission, so it seems wonderfully appropriate to broaden how we think about our co-chairs,” said Sandy Edgerley, Chair of the Boston Foundation Board of Directors. “We are honored that Phill and Liz (Gross) have stepped forward to lead the Campaign alongside Dwight and Kirsten Poler. Each of them are accomplished and thoughtful voices in Greater Boston – together they make a powerhouse team.”

“Liz and I contribute to the Annual Campaign for Civic Leadership because it empowers the Boston Foundation to bring its community knowledge, research and experience to inform discussions and to advocate for needed change in Greater Boston,” said Phill Gross. “We have seen firsthand how this has transformed the dialog around the critical issues facing the city and region.”

“The Boston Foundation’s work in areas from health to education to social justice helps give visibility to new ideas and spark discussions that can lead to comprehensive solutions,” added Liz Gross. “We look forward to this opportunity.”

The Foundation works with dozens of partners—from grassroots organizers to government officials—to collectively surface ideas and develop solutions to challenging problems. In 2018-2019, the Boston Foundation and its partners published 15 new research reports and hosted 19 forums on issues ranging from education and workforce development to housing, immigration, the opioid epidemic and more.

Dwight Poler, who founded Bain Capital’s European Private Equity Business, joined the Boston Foundation board in 2018. “The Annual Campaign for Civic Leadership is the smartest investment you can make in the future of Boston. It brings research and capital, alongside local community knowledge, to ensure progress in areas where it is more impactful,” he said.

“Both Dwight and I have seen the impact that the Foundation’s civic leadership and policy work can have firsthand during our time in Boston,” added Kirsten Poler. “We encourage everyone who cares deeply about our community’s future to join us in supporting this essential work.

To learn more about the Annual Campaign for Civic Leadership and how to support the Boston Foundation, contact Sasha Zuflacht, Manager of the Annual Campaign. Click here to send an email.