New trustee appointments strengthen foundation's commitment to diversity and community engagement

(BLACK PR WIRE) - MIAMI - Oct. 20, 2011 - The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced today that prominent philanthropic leader Stephanie Bell-Rose and national investment expert and former NAACP national treasurer Francisco L. Borges are joining the foundation's board of trustees.

"These leaders will guide Knight Foundation as it continues to help create a stronger democracy by fostering informed and engaged communities," said Knight president and CEO Alberto Ibargüen.

"It will be an honor to work with Knight Foundation's innovative board of trustees on promoting a more just and educated society," said Bell-Rose.

"I look forward to working with the foundation to seek out the best methods for informing people so that they can take a more active role in their communities and in our nation," said Borges.

Knight Foundation is dedicated to the ideal that democracies thrive when communities are informed and engaged. The foundation supports transformational ideas that engage communities, promote quality journalism and media innovation, and foster the arts.

Based in New York City, Bell-Rose has an extensive background in philanthropy and policy initiatives.

She is a managing director of TIAA-CREF and head of the TIAA-CREF Institute, where she focuses on higher education, financial security policy and research and charitable organizations. Bell-Rose previously served as president of the Goldman Sachs Foundation and also as counsel and program officer for public affairs at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. There, she directed legal affairs and designed philanthropic initiatives in education and public policy. Bell-Rose's awards include the Kennedy School of Government Alumni Achievement Award, Crain's "100 Most Influential Women in New York City Business," and Women of Color Magazine's "Top Women in Retail and Finance."

Francisco L. Borges is a leader in business and in promoting civil rights for all. With a background in state government, Borges previously served as treasurer for Connecticut and deputy mayor of the city of Hartford.

Borges is a former member of the board and treasurer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

He is chairman and managing partner at Landmark Partners Inc., a full-service alternative investment firm specializing in private equity and real estate. Borges was also managing director of GE Capital's Financial Guaranty.

Black Enterprise Magazine this month recognized Borges among top African Americans in finance.

Photos available:
Bell-Rose: www.kflinks.com/bell-rose-photo
Borges: www.kflinks.com/borges-photo

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.