RWJF Names Tracey Wilmot as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Ms. Wilmot to advance culture that puts people first, values equity, and strengthens organizational capabilities.
PRINCETON—The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced today that Tracey Wilmot will join the organization as vice president and chief Human Resources officer (CHRO), effective February 23, 2026. In this role, Ms. Wilmot will lead the Foundation’s people strategy and talent development work, focus on organizational development and effectiveness, and serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team.
“Tracey Wilmot brings the strategic clarity and practical knowhow we need to modernize our people practices, invest in leadership development, and center equity in how we work,” said Rich Besser, president and CEO. “Her experience leading complex, values driven organizations will ensure that our employees are supported, inspired, and positioned to advance our mission and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.”
Ms. Wilmot brings:
- Leadership experience in both business and nonprofit settings.
- Expertise in HR operations, including recruitment, retention, benefits, and compensation.
- A commitment to equity and inclusion, with a focus on modernizing performance management and building a culture of belonging.
“It is with great excitement and anticipation that we welcome Tracey Wilmot to the Foundation,” said Melvin Galloway, RWJF chief operating officer. “Her innovative approach, passion for service to others, and extensive experience will strengthen our people strategy, elevate how we work together, and reinforce the foundation of our values-driven culture.”
Most recently, Ms. Wilmot served as vice president and chief people officer at the Vera Institute of Justice, where she led an enterprise-wide talent strategy that helped employees feel more connected and engaged with the organization.
Prior to Vera, Ms. Wilmot was director of Human Resources at Iona University, where she led strategic workforce planning and talent initiatives, increased faculty and staff diversity, and redesigned onboarding and performance management processes. She serves on the Board of Directors for Greater Mental Health of New York, chairing the Human Resources Committee. Ms. Wilmot is credentialed in HR Management and Analytics through The Wharton School, holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Cornell University, and received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport.
“I was drawn to RWJF because of the strong alignment between the Foundation’s mission and my own values, especially around equity,” said Ms. Wilmot. “What stood out most was the dedication and openness of the staff. With 20 years in the nonprofit sector, I know that lasting impact depends on building strong, connected teams. RWJF’s long-term vision and commitment to stewardship inspire me, and I’m excited to help strengthen our people and culture so we can continue to make a difference for years to come.”
About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
RWJF is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity faster and pave the way together to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.
Affirming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
RWJF is committed to defending and advancing the fundamental America values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and building an organizational culture of belonging for our employees.