Randy Peeler and Raj Sharma to co-chair the 2024-2025 Annual Fund for Civic Leadership
October 24, 2024
Boston – Randy Peeler, Senior Advisor at Berkshire Partners, will join Boston Foundation Director Raj Sharma of The Sharma Group at Merrill, as co-chairs of the Boston Foundation’s Annual Fund for Civic Leadership for 2024-2025, the foundation announced today. The Foundation seeks to raise $3,500,000 in this year’s campaign, which runs through June 2025.
The Annual Fund for Civic Leadership supports the Boston Foundation’s role as a critical partner for a more equitable Boston. In 2023-24, more than 7,700 people registered to attend 28 forums and other events that brought together policymakers with civic, industry and community leaders to share critical insights on the challenges facing Greater Boston. In addition, TBF and its research center, Boston Indicators, released 19 reports and briefs that informed public discussion and helped shape local and state policy on a host of issues.
“The Annual Fund for Civic Leadership drives research into the issues that affect everyone in the region; from housing to wage equity, from community wealth to maternal health,” said Raj Sharma. “The Boston Foundation has a unique role to play, and I am excited to help make a difference.”
The Annual Fund also powers the Foundation’s work with dozens of partners—from grassroots organizers to government officials—to collectively surface ideas and develop collaborative solutions to challenging problems.
“It’s great to have Raj and Randy leading the campaign this year,” said Dwight Poler, Chair of the Board and previous co-chair for the fund. “Their experience as business leaders and philanthropists place them well to expand the reach and impact of our Annual Fund as we partner with donors who want to keep improving our city”
“I am thrilled to be a part of this great work,” remarked Randy Peeler, who joined Berkshire Partners in 1996 and became a Managing Director in 2000. “I have supported the Annual Fund for many years because I believe this to be the best way to create a lasting impact on the city and its residents.”
Raj Sharma, who founded the Sharma Group, joined the Boston Foundation board in 2022. “The Annual Fund for Civic Leadership is the smartest investment you can make in the future of Boston. It brings research and capital, alongside local community knowledge, to ensure progress in areas where it can have the most impact,” he said.
To learn more about the Annual Fund for Civic Leadership and how to support the Boston Foundation, contact Erin Coffey, Assistant Director, Leadership Giving.