SEATTLE – The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation today announced that Mark F. Dederer will join the Foundation as its new Executive Director, leading its mission to invest in bold ideas that inspire collective action in order to achieve powerful results.

“I am inspired by the Foundation’s imperative to focus its efforts on equity and access and by its commitment to active philanthropy,” said Dederer. “This opportunity to work collaboratively with organizations to create innovative, scalable program models is exciting. It is an honor to be chosen to helm this mission.”

Dederer comes from Wells Fargo, where he served as Senior Vice President for the Wells Fargo Foundation and Community Affairs. “Mark’s extensive grantmaking background, business acumen, and nonprofit board experience make him an ideal leader for our organization,” noted Sheri Biller, Foundation President. “His deep roots in the Puget Sound region will help us expand our reach here in Washington state.”

The Biller Family Foundation acts as a catalyst to advance positive and sustainable change in public education, supportive care, theatre enrichment, and career pathways. “We look forward to the fresh vision and community knowledge that Mark will bring to his new role with the Foundation,” added Biller.

Dederer will begin his new position at the Biller Family Foundation on September 12, 2016. He succeeds Colleen Oliver, who started with New Teacher Center in July.