Isabel Acosta

Vice President, Programs

Isabel leads the Skills and Pathways portfolios focused on ensuring that more Angelenos have the skills and pathways to participate in our evolving economy. Prior to The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Isabel provided consulting services to organizations like Pahara Institute, where she managed innovative pilot programs aimed at supporting equity-focused leaders who are reimagining public education. She was the Director of Operations at GPSN (formerly Great Public Schools Now) and served in a directorial role at The Broad Foundation, where she launched GPSN and coordinated education policy, advocacy and gun safety initiatives.

Isabel earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s from UC Santa Barbara. She’s a family-centered mother, wife, daughter and sister who grew up in Los Angeles; she enjoys traveling, staying active, listening to music and cooking.

Tim Carter

Director of Communications

As a seasoned global communications leader, Tim has led high-stakes strategic communications for GoFundMe, Amazon, Taco Bell and Yum! Brands. He now dedicates his expertise to leading communications at The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, helping to lift the voices of our grantees and further the Broads’ commitment to the public good by infusing their style of thinking boldly and inspiring others to strengthen L.A.’s civic, cultural and economic health.

Tim earned a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications, with an emphasis in public relations and advertising from Penn State University. He grew up in Riverside and after living in London and traveling to over 32 countries, he now resides downtown in the Arts District. He enjoys immersing himself in diverse cultures and outdoor adventures, particularly in Joshua Tree.

Porsha Cropper

Senior Program Officer

With expertise in legislation and workforce development, Porsha manages the Pathways portfolio. Her roles as Senior Deputy of Legislation for City Council District 10 and Assistant Senior Deputy of Education for the Second District in L.A. County showcase her deep commitment to public service. Before that, her decade-long tenure at Abt Associates saw her steering workforce development evaluations for the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor.

Porsha earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and comparative studies in race and ethnicity from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in government and social policy from Harvard University. She grew up in Los Angeles and is passionate about making a difference in South L.A., and enjoys reading, dancing, live concerts, weightlifting and good food.

Erin Grimes

Director, Grant Operations

Balancing the grantee experience while upholding compliance and accountability, Erin directs The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation’s grant operations. She developed her expertise over nine years at the California Community Foundation where she managed multiple funds and trained staff in investment framework, grantmaking and data systems.

Erin earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UC Santa Cruz, and a master’s in public policy specializing in nonprofit management from UCLA. She grew up in Los Angeles and has a passion for racial equity and community; she enjoys reading and actively participates in a lesbian book club where she can be found sharing her love of queer fantasy.

Suzy Jack

Chief Strategy Officer

Suzy provides leadership and strategic direction across all areas of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation’s philanthropic focus, organizational priorities, communications and the Civic Partnerships portfolio. Prior to The Broad Foundation, Suzy served as Vice President of Public Affairs at the L.A. Times where she oversaw initiatives to advance literacy, youth journalism and civic engagement across L.A. as well as the Times’ 100+ signature and community events, including the Festival of Books and Food Bowl. Suzy was appointed Deputy Mayor of Legislative Affairs by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and served as the Mayor’s LGBTQ Liaison and later Deputy Controller for the City of Los Angeles.

Suzy earned a bachelor’s degree in American studies from USC. This year marks her 20th anniversary in L.A., having moved here from her hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania. Suzy currently resides in Mt. Washington with her partner and their dog, Maybelline. She enjoys frolicking outdoors and eating sushi and dark chocolate.

Erica Lim

Senior Program Officer

Erica manages the Skills portfolio for The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, increasing access to the educational opportunities, skills and experiences L.A.’s youth need to thrive and join a competitive workforce. Erica previously served as the Senior Advisor to the Chief Academic Officer of the Los Angeles Unified School District, held instructional leadership roles with Uncommon Schools and advised the College Board on the development of the AP Capstone diploma program.

Erica is also a Board-certified teacher and holds a Doctor of Education Leadership from Harvard University, a masters in teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education and a bachelors in foreign service from Georgetown University. She enjoys modern and contemporary art, freediving and solo international travel.

Gerun Riley

President

As president of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Gerun leads all activities, operations and investments of The Broad Foundation’s work in public K-12 education, scientific and medical research and the arts.

Gerun began her career at The Broad Foundation in 2003 in an entry-level administrative position and assumed roles of increasing responsibility across all areas of the Broads’ philanthropy and civic engagement. She has led a number of key initiatives including The Broad Prize for Urban Education, the architectural competition and opening of The Broad museum, the merger of The Broad Center with the Yale School of Management, the endowment of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and the Foundation’s organizational design, grantmaking strategy and governance. Over two decades, she has worked closely with major grantees including the Broad stem cell research centers at UCLA, USC and USCF, the Broad contemporary art museums at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Michigan State University, and she serves on the boards of The Broad Foundation, The Broad Art Foundation, BroadStage and the Broad Institute. Within the Broad Family Office, Gerun has advised the Broads on their personal political engagement and giving.

Prior to joining The Broad Foundation, Gerun worked in the New York office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, where she collaborated with senior partners to lead the firm’s pro bono department. Gerun graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in neuroscience and lives in Culver City with her husband and their two daughters.