Welcoming New Leadership and a Bright Future for PEAK

To our community,

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Eusebio Díaz as our Interim CEO. Eusebio has been an invaluable member of our Board of Directors, serving as Board Secretary and bringing over two decades of experience in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.

Eusebio’s career has been primarily focused on strategic grantmaking and social advocacy. His career highlights include his most recent role as Vice President of Strategy, Learning, and Communications at Health Forward Foundation, where he led efforts such as strategic planning and funding initiatives to support strengthening equitable practices within nonprofit organizations.

Eusebio is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of strategic vision and a history of building strong, successful organizations. His deep commitment to PEAK’s mission makes us confident that his guidance will ensure a smooth and member-focused transition for PEAK. Eusebio’s interim leadership will be focused on ensuring that PEAK remains committed to being a home base for grants management professionals who are transforming philanthropy by elevating the field of grants management and leading the way in operationalizing equity-centered, values-driven grantmaking practices. 

A veteran of the US Air Force and a recognized leader in the philanthropic sector, Eusebio has a history of driving tangible results as Vice President of Programs with Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio and Chief of Staff with the Episcopal Health Foundation. “I am honored and energized to serve PEAK in this new capacity and guide our community through this pivotal moment,” said Díaz. “My focus is on our members. I am committed to supporting our dedicated staff and ensuring a seamless, member-centered transition. We will continue to champion PEAK’s core mission, listen to our members’ needs, and build a stronger, more innovative, and more valuable organization together. Our future is bright, and I look forward to working with all of you to build it.”

In addition, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Sara Richman Sanders to the role of Managing Director. Many of you know Sara from her dedicated work over the last eight years—a tenure that spans nearly one-third of PEAK’s history—most recently as our Senior Member and Community Engagement Director. Sara is a dynamic and people-centered leader who has played a crucial role in building our community. Her passion for fostering a sense of belonging, her commitment to our members, and her focus on continuous improvement will be vital in this new chapter for PEAK. Previously, Sara has worked for the School Nutrition Association, League of Women Voters, and the Federal Voting Assistance Program at the Department of Defense. Her long-standing track record of driving strategic initiatives that foster collaboration, operational excellence, and revenue growth has been pivotal to PEAK’s success during her tenure.

“Throughout my tenure at PEAK, I have been inspired countless times by the kindness, the commitment to learning and sharing, the willingness to center equity, and the magic our community creates by coming together and believing we can and should find a better way,” said Richman Sanders. “I am honored to take on this new role to support our amazing staff team and our dedicated community of change agents, and I believe we can come out stronger for our 30th anniversary if we stay true to our principles, lean into our humanity, and celebrate progress over perfection.”

With Eusebio and Sara in their new roles, we are well-positioned to continue providing exceptional value to you, our members, and to strengthen our organization for the future. As an emergent learning home for grants professionals, PEAK is learning and evolving alongside our members as we navigate numerous changes. The Board’s succession committee will continue to focus on the search for a permanent leader for PEAK, ensuring that we find someone who will continue to champion PEAK’s core mission for years to come.

Additionally, the Board of Directors of PEAK Grantmaking shares its deepest gratitude and admiration for the visionary leadership of Satonya Fair, who recently stepped down from her role as PEAK’s first President and CEO. Satonya’s tenure has been transformative, marked by her unwavering commitment to embedding equity at the center of grantmaking practices and significantly expanding PEAK’s influence and community.

Under Satonya’s leadership, PEAK Grantmaking experienced a period of unprecedented growth and impact. She not only broadened PEAK’s brand and position as a national leader in the sector but also created a stronger, more connected community for its members.

Satonya’s leadership has been nothing short of inspiring. She has elevated PEAK’s standing and strengthened our community in countless ways. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of influence and growth, and we are profoundly grateful for her dedication to our mission and members. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

The entire PEAK Grantmaking community extends its heartfelt thanks to Satonya for her remarkable leadership and vision. Her work has fundamentally shaped who we are today, and we are a better, stronger, and more equitable organization because of her. We will continue to build on the incredible foundation she has laid.

The PEAK Board of Directors is eager to keep our members informed about our progress, and we invite you to register for our member-wide town hall on September 18 at 12:00 p.m. ET. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and look forward to this next phase of growth and innovation together. 

In community,

Josh Abel and Janet Disla