Diane de Ryss, director of operations for the United States Program, works closely with the U.S. Program president and leadership team on strategic planning and organizational development, including how we work with staff and grantees to advance the foundation’s guiding principles. She sets and manages operational priorities to support the U.S. Program strategies, collaborating with the Finance, Impact Planning and Improvement, Legal, Information Technology, and Human Resources groups. She also oversees the U.S. Program grants management team.
Previously, de Ryss held a similar position within the Education team. Before joining the foundation in 2004, she was vice president of School Operations for Apex Learning Inc., an education company that develops and delivers online high school courses and curricula. She was also director of Continuing Legal Education for the Washington State Bar Association.
De Ryss practiced law as a civil rights attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California and bachelor’s degrees in French and sociology from the University of Washington.