The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation is pleased to announce that Samra Haider has been appointed as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 23, 2025. Haider will bring decades of success in nonprofit leadership, program innovation, and organizational strategy to drive progress toward the Foundation’s vision to close the racial wealth gap in New Jersey.
While there are many factors that have led to a significant racial wealth gap in New Jersey, the Foundation directs its time and efforts to housing equity, economic security and mobility, and community infrastructure as key drivers to close the gap. With Haider at the helm, the Foundation will focus its strategies on five specific communities across the State: Atlantic City, Camden, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton, with continued legacy-inspired work in Morris County. The goal is to center strong partnerships that will shape projects and address community-identified priorities, and to expand and build on learnings from each focus community over time.
Haider will also work closely with the Board of Trustees and Staff to use the Foundation’s resources in new and innovative ways to address community needs. Her expertise across sectors positions her to lead the Foundation into a new era with the intention of bringing all resources to bear to make the greatest impact in service of the vision of a just and equitable New Jersey.
“Samra’s commitment to social justice and her experience expanding programs into new communities to promote economic opportunity make her the ideal person to lead the Foundation’s efforts to close the racial wealth gap,” said Preston D. Pinkett III, Board Chair of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. “We are excited to have her join us now, as we continue to refine our strategies to build a just and equitable New Jersey.”
“Having grown up in New Jersey and with my roots strongly embedded in the State and community, I am honored to join the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation at this pivotal moment in its journey,” said Haider. “The Foundation has a rich history of supporting transformative change toward racial justice in the State, and I am excited to work alongside the Board, staff, and community partners to drive meaningful impact for all New Jerseyans.”
Haider previously served as President of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), a nonprofit organization that offers individuals returning home from incarceration the ongoing support necessary to build career capital and financial stability. At CEO, Haider led the organization to expand their reach to more than 30 communities across the country, invest in advanced training pathways, and support tens of thousands of individuals on their reentry journeys. Prior to CEO, Haider held senior roles at REDF, Next Street Financial, Oliver Wyman, and JPMorgan Chase. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of FHI Foundation. She earned an MBA from the Wharton School, an MS from the London School of Economics, and a BA from Columbia University.
Haider will join the Foundation as it celebrates more than 50 years of supporting and investing in mission-driven organizations throughout New Jersey. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, which was established in 1974, has invested more than $500 million across the State. With headquarters in Newark, the Foundation has a long and deep legacy of improving the lives of New Jerseyans. For more information about the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and its work, please visit grdodge.org.