I’m thrilled to share a major milestone for Shockwave Foundation: effective August 1st, Dr. Jennifer Wegbreit has been appointed as our new Chief Executive Officer at Shockwave Foundation.
Jeny’s deep expertise in global development and systems thinking aligns precisely with Shockwave’s ethos–respecting complexity, embracing risk, and taking the long view.
She has been a cornerstone and co-creator of our mission for the past five years, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. With over two decades of leadership across global health, academia, and philanthropy, she has helped visionaries build stronger, more impactful organizations–guiding strategic planning, research, and partnerships with institutions like the University of California Global Health Group, Asante Africa Foundation, and numerous family philanthropies.
In this new role, Jeny will lead our strategic direction, strengthen partnerships, and ensure we continue to catalyze early-stage solutions for climate resilience and environmental justice. Building on Shockwave’s legacy of supporting frontline communities and transformative projects worldwide, she will guide us as we scale our impact and deepen our commitment to long-term progress.
On behalf of Shockwave, congratulations to Jeny! Her leadership marks a powerful next chapter as we work to empower communities, transform systems, and pioneer resilience at scale.
If you’d like to congratulate Jeny or learn more about her journey and vision for Shockwave, feel free to connect with her here or visit our website.
— Paul Traina Founder & Chair Shockwave Foundation