The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, a project of the Los Angeles mega-art collectors, has appointed longtime staffer Gerun Riley as its president. The Broads are, of course, the couple behind the Broad Art Museum, which opened in September 2015 in Los Angeles.
“For some time now we have looked for someone who we trust to work with me in overseeing our philanthropic activities, someone who shares our values and priorities,” said Eli Broad in a press release. “And the right person was with us the whole time.”
Riley, 40, started out with the Broads in an entry-level administrative job 13 years ago, and since then has served as chief of staff, vice president, and senior vice president. She oversaw the architectural competition for the Broad Museum, won by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
Eli and Edythe Broad. Photo Ben Gibbs for the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.
“For over 13 years I’ve had the privilege to work side by side with the Broads on their dogged mission to improve the human mind, body and spirit,” said Riley in the press announcement. “It’s a humbling honor to assume the responsibility of leading the charge to continue The Broad Foundation’s rigorous dedication to stronger public schools, cutting-edge scientific and medical research and accessibility to the arts.”
Besides opening LA’s Broad Museum, the foundation is also behind the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University. The foundation also made a $30 million pledge to the strapped Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles in 2008, and it supports other organizations including LA Opera.
The Broad Foundation is also involved in efforts in education and scientific research. The organization has awarded $16 million in college scholarships and $123 million in grants to support public schools, according to the foundation’s figures, and invested upwards of $800 million into areas including stem cell research.