After an incredible journey with the Walton Family Foundation, I have made the decision to step down as executive director at the end of 2025. Serving in this role has been a great honor, and I did not arrive at this decision lightly.

Ultimately, this is a very personal decision. It comes from a desire to spend more time with my family at an important moment. I’m thankful to be part of an organization that supports me in making that a priority. I will continue serving as executive director through December, working alongside our team to ensure a smooth transition.

I am deeply grateful to the Walton family for entrusting me with this role, and to our staff, partners and communities who turn bold ideas into lasting change. When I joined in 2023, I was drawn by the foundation’s enduring commitment to creating access to opportunity and fostering collaboration. I’ve experienced how that vision is being carried forward every day as our team and partners have achieved so much together in the past few years:

• We advanced initiatives in our home region to expand businesses and startups in Northwest Arkansas and improve access to housing options. In the Delta, we worked with our partners to help create new career pathways, encourage homeownership and strengthen small businesses. 
• Our environmental work is championing efforts to protect water resources and expand the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. And a growing ecosystem of partners is strengthening fisheries management and water stewardship. 
• Leaders, educators and students are working together to create more effective and engaging learning experiences. Students now have access to new schools, career pathways and stronger literacy and tutoring programs.  

None of these achievements belong to any one person. They are the triumph of teams and partners dedicated to making a difference, from program officers to community leaders and grantees who put their trust in us.

I often say “team first” is an ethos that animates the best of the Walton Family Foundation, and I’ve seen it proven time and again. The successes of my tenure stem from the passion, creativity and commitment of our people. This work will continue because of the Walton family’s leadership and the dedication and skill everyone brings to it daily.

While this is a bittersweet moment, I believe transitions can be healthy. The foundation is strong, with capable leaders, and poised to conclude an ambitious five-year strategy with lessons learned that will deepen the impact of its future work.

I’m grateful beyond words for the relationships we’ve built by reimagining how we work together, foster learning and recognize achievements. There will be time in the coming months for me to personally thank many of you and celebrate what we’ve accomplished together. For now, I remain focused on the work at hand.

Let’s continue, together, to show up for our partners and see impact as a team sport for many years to come.

With gratitude,

Stephanie