Sylvia M. Mathews Named Executive Vice-President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced today that Sylvia M. Mathews, Deputy Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has been named Executive Vice President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

"Sylvia will help us use our grant-making as a catalyst for change," said Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation founder Bill Gates. "Sylvia brings a critical set of skills to the table that will help us forge the strategic partnerships necessary to make a long-term impact in global health, education and access to technology."

Mathews will oversee finance, administration, legal, government relations, public affairs and other foundation activities. In addition, Mathews will serve on the executive team, helping to shape overall foundation strategy and evaluate the effectiveness of current programs. Mathews will coordinate the foundation's strategy of building partnerships with governments, industry, United Nations agencies, foundations and non-governmental organizations.

Mathews has served as Deputy Director of OMB for the last two years under Jack Lew, and prior to that served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the United States. Mathews previously served as Chief of Staff to former Secretary of the Treasury Bob Rubin, and as White House Staff Director for the National Economic Council. Mathews holds degrees from both Harvard University and Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.

Upon news of her departure, President Bill Clinton wished Mathews well saying, "As Deputy Budget Director, Sylvia Mathews has been a key member of my economic team and deserves a fair share of the credit for the development of our economic strategy. Sylvia's steadfast commitment to public service and her first-rate intellect will make her a valuable asset for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation."

Mathews will report to foundation Co-Chair and President, Patty Stonesifer, and Stonesifer welcomed her arrival saying, "We are always looking for ways to advocate on behalf of our grantees and the issues in which they work. Sylvia has a track record of tackling complex economic issues and her skills will help us find sustainable solutions to the challenges the foundation works to address."

Mathews will begin work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on April 2, 2001.