This July, the Murdock Trust says a heartfelt farewell to John Franklin as he retires from his role as Program Director.
John joined the Trust in 2012 as a Program Director, bringing with him more than three decades of nonprofit leadership experience and a genuine devotion to the organizations and communities of the Pacific Northwest. He quickly became a trusted and central presence in our grantmaking work, and over the years came to be a key leader in the Trust’s efforts to support faith-based work in the Pacific Northwest.
“One of the Trust’s values is being relational, and John has embodied that value with unusual depth and maturity,” says Romanita Hairston, CEO. “He brought a wealth of experience to his work at the Trust, and our grantees benefited not only from his care and thoughtfulness, but from his curiosity, encouragement, and ability to draw out the best in people and their work. His kindness, wisdom, and wit will be deeply missed.”
Over 14 years, John facilitated 500+ successful grant proposals totaling $103 million. He has been the steady hand behind the Trust's Vision & Call program for many years, where his investment in mentoring future generations bore ripples of impact as hundreds of interns received support and funding every year to explore their vocational callings.
“John’s steady presence on the Grants & Programs team for 14 years has been a true gift to our team,” says Pauline Fong, Chief Program & Impact Officer. “His care for our nonprofit partners and his faithfulness to the Trust’s mission has contributed significantly to how we do this work. We are so grateful for his impactful time at the Trust.”
Anyone who has had the privilege of working alongside John knows the expertise and tenacity he brings. Perhaps just as memorable are his wit and warmth around the office, and the ways he encourages his colleagues and brings out the best in others.
"John's investment in the nonprofit sector is unparalleled, pouring into organizations serving the common good across more than five decades," says Jeff Pinneo, Trustee. "I first saw his heart for this work 50 years ago this summer, when we served together on Summer Staff at Young Life's Malibu Club — even then, his commitment to organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others was unmistakable, and it's remained a hallmark of his journey ever since. Since coming to the Trust 14 years ago, he has expanded that investment both in his work in our grantmaking efforts, but also in leading several of our programs that help build the capacity of emerging and established professionals in the nonprofit sector. His legacy has proven generational, as his son founded and leads Everybody Athletics, a pillar in the Pacific Northwest service community. We are extremely grateful for the expertise, care, and dedication John has given the Trust."
Please join us in celebrating John's many contributions to the Trust and wishing him well in his next chapter.