Gratitude & Farewell - A Message from Jan Kern on Her Retirement
Jan Kern will retire from SoCal Grantmakers effective January 1, 2025.
If anyone would have told me that I would be working in the field of family philanthropy for more than 20 years, I would have strongly suggested they were out of touch with reality — yet here I am.
Over the years, I have experienced the trials and tribulations of effective grantmaking and heard the complicated and conflicted stories inherent in family decision-making. I have also seen professionalism grow within our sector and have been thrilled to see next-generation family members stepping up to lead and energize their family’s philanthropy. Above all, I have enjoyed the trusted friendships of many colleagues with whom I have shared victories, frustrations, and grief.
With these wonderful experiences behind me, it is now time for me to look at the years ahead. I will be stepping down from my role as Senior Philanthropy Advisor at the end of 2024. SCG has been my professional home. Working with my team has been a joy, and I am deeply grateful for the years of support I have received.
I have been quietly planning my retirement for many months now. I am thrilled that Morgan Bennett will be stepping into a new role as Specialist for Arts, Executives, & Family Philanthropy to lead and expand SCG’s family philanthropy programming. I am confident that she will be a great partner to SCG’s Family Philanthropy Advisory Council and our family philanthropy team and will help develop relevant opportunities for our entire family community.
It has been an honor to gain your confidence, trust, and friendship. It has been deeply satisfying to witness the evolution of a connective tissue that has now emerged as a collective voice and community. While I leave my role, I will always remain your steadfast advocate and friend.
Onward!
Jan Kern
Senior Philanthropy Advisor, SoCal Grantmakers
SCG is honored to present Jan Kern with the 2024 Heart of Philanthropy Award at Day One of our Family Philanthropy Conference, Bridging Possibilities. We invite all SCG members to register for our event, where we will celebrate Jan for her commitment to our community and say farewell in person.