The Chicago Community Trust Appoints Ralph Leslie as Chief Financial Officer

CHICAGO (February 23, 2026) – The Chicago Community Trust, the region’s community foundation, welcomes Ralph Leslie as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective today.

As chief financial officer, Leslie will oversee all financial operations, including investments, accounting, budgeting, risk management, and legal and tax administration for the Trust. He brings more than 30 years of expertise in financial management, administration, and strategic planning across leading philanthropy, nonprofit, and public and private-sector organizations. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts, where he led finance, information technology, workplace services, and human resources.

“We are excited to welcome Ralph Leslie to our team,” said Andrea Sáenz, president & CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. “His deep experience and leadership, together with our strong finance team, will help us maximize our resources to address the needs of our region and turn philanthropy into lasting impact.”

Previously, Leslie served as the inaugural chief financial officer and treasurer of the Obama Foundation. His career also includes senior roles in accounting, finance, and strategy at Navy Pier Inc., Start Early, PepsiCo, and Cargill Inc. Leslie received a master’s in business administration from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) and completed postgraduate business courses at the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota.  He has a B.S. in accounting from Chicago State University.

“I am inspired to step into this role and lead the finance team, working alongside dedicated colleagues to strengthen the Chicago region,” said Ralph Leslie. “For more than 100 years, the Trust has worked to improve opportunities and well-being for Chicagoans. As a native of the city, I am honored to be part of this organization’s legacy to improve the lives of people in the Chicago region and beyond.”

About The Chicago Community Trust

As our region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust has been here for all Chicagoans for over 110 years. We unite donors, nonprofits and residents to support people, organizations and partnerships that strengthen the Chicago region. We address challenges that stand in the way of a thriving region, including meeting people’s critical needs such as secure housing and healthy food; mobilizing support in response to crises such as the Great Depression and COVID pandemic; and working on ways to build wealth and well-being for Chicagoans. We believe that when our neighbors do better, we all do better. Learn more at cct.org.