Our parents, Sam and Helen Walton, believed in the power of opportunity and the importance of helping others. They also emphasized the value of coming together as a family. Over the years, one of the most rewarding ways we’ve come together is around philanthropy. That’s why, together, we want to share with you news about our leadership team and the exciting opportunities ahead at the Walton Family Foundation.

For 15 years, Buddy Philpot has been an outstanding executive director for our foundation and a leader whom so many throughout the philanthropic world know, trust and respect. As we recently completed the development of long-term strategies to guide our programs, Buddy has decided that now would be an opportune time for a new executive director to take over.

We are pleased that Buddy will stay involved with our family on an expanding number of projects at Walton Enterprises. He also has committed to stay on at the foundation as long as necessary to help ensure a smooth transition as we conduct a national search for a new executive director.

Our foundation has set an ambitious course for the future. We look forward to recruiting a new executive director to step into one of the most dynamic foundation leadership positions in America.

We are exceptionally optimistic about what’s ahead for the foundation, a belief inspired largely by the impact we’ve experienced with our more than 1,900 grantees and strategic partners across the U.S. and around the world, especially during Buddy’s tenure.

Under his leadership, the foundation’s annual grantmaking has grown tenfold, from $40 million to nearly $400 million. We’ve expanded from a four-person staff to a team of more than 75 talented individuals. These are among the most respected experts and practitioners in their fields and are helping us operate at the absolute highest standards for philanthropy.

With foundation funding, big ideas have become inspiring realities. The charter school sector has grown from a promising concept to a high-quality education option for millions of families. Unique partnerships have brought conservation, business and community interests together to find long-term solutions for our oceans and rivers. Northwest Arkansas is now home to 300 miles of trails providing both recreation and alternative transportation. In our hometown of Bentonville, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has welcomed nearly 2 million visitors since opening in 2011.

We know Mother and Dad would be proud of the impact of the foundation. They’d be the first to celebrate Buddy and thank him for his contributions. They’d also be excited about our plans for the future and the engagement of the next generation of family members and leaders. Together, we remain committed to the core belief that there are no limits to what people can achieve when they are given, as Dad once said, “the opportunity, the encouragement and the incentive to do their best.”