Press Release

Easterling named Pulliam Trust vice president of programs

Stacey Easterling comes to the Trust following Jeff Small’s promotion to president and CEO.

PHOENIX (Sept. 15, 2026) – National philanthropy professional and community leader Stacey Easterling joined the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust as the vice president of programs. She will lead the Arizona and Indiana grantmaking teams as Jeff Small moves into his new role as the Trust’s incoming president and CEO.

“Throughout her distinguished career in philanthropy, Stacey has clearly developed a deep understanding of how foundations can best support communities by listening, learning, and partnering with local organizations,” said Jeff Small, the incoming Trust president and CEO. “We are excited to welcome her leadership and expertise as we continue working with community partners to advance meaningful change in Indiana and Arizona.”

Easterling has more than 20 years of experience leading strategic grantmaking efforts, aligning resources with community priorities, and advancing locally driven solutions. As the Trust’s vice president of programs, she will oversee the organization’s giving areas, design grantmaking infrastructure and standards, and evaluate the impact of various Trust programs on partners and the communities of metropolitan Phoenix and Indianapolis. Easterling, along with a team of program officers in each state, will focus on fostering community partnerships, listening and learning about community needs, identifying high-impact giving opportunities, and supporting organizations that help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life.

“I’m energized to bring two decades of experience in community philanthropy to bear on the challenges and opportunities right here in our own backyards,” said Easterling, the Trust’s vice president of programs. “Stepping into this role means I get to connect and collaborate with the nonprofit leaders and community partners I admire. I’m excited to join the Phoenix and Indianapolis nonprofit sectors and to help the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust deepen its impact on the issues that matter most to our communities.”

Since beginning her philanthropic career at The Cleveland Foundation, the nation’s first community foundation, she has held senior leadership positions at several influential foundations. Prior to the Trust, Easterling was the founding executive director of the National
Institute for African American Health. As vice president of programs at the Missouri Foundation for Health and later at the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, she provided strategic oversight for multimillion-dollar grantmaking portfolios, with a focus on strengthening community
infrastructure, addressing health disparities, and enhancing nonprofit capacity. Earlier, as program executive at The Atlantic Philanthropies’ U.S. Aging Program, she directed national initiatives to promote healthy aging and economic security for older adults. Easterling holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University and a Master of Public Health in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan.

“I am pleased to welcome Stacey to the Trust,” said Gene D’Adamo, Trust president and CEO. “Her deep experience in philanthropy and strategic grantmaking will be an incredible asset to our organization. I am confident she will strengthen our work in Arizona and Indiana and continue advancing Nina’s legacy as we look ahead to the last half of the Trust’s 50-year lifespan.”

D’Adamo will retire from the Trust on Jan. 29, 2027. He has been transitioning responsibilities to Small recently, a move that will be supported by Easterling joining the Trust. For more information, visit www.ninapulliamtrust.org.

 

About the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust seeks to help people in need, especially women, children, and families; to protect animals and nature; and to enrich community life, primarily in Phoenix and Indianapolis. The Trust has awarded more than $430 million in grants and student scholarships since its inception in 1997. For more information, visit www.ninapulliamtrust.org.

 

MEDIA CONTACT
Kristina Perez
Director of Communications and External Relations
kperez@ninapulliamtrust.org
480-887-0083