Dan Ely - ”Actions Speak Louder Than Words.” When We Uncovered that Enslaved African People Contributed to the Wealth of the Foundation, Our Board and Staff Did More Than Make Statements

Dan Ely, Vice President and former Board Chair of the 1772 Foundation, shares the actions board and staff took as soon as they uncovered the connection between the foundation and profits made from the labor of African peoples enslaved in the late 18th century by the forebears of the benefactor, Stewart B. Kean. One operating principle of catalytic funders like the 1772 Foundation, is taking responsibility for an issue and acting creatively and decisively. By taking a series of steps immediately upon learning this information, the foundation offers other funders an example of action and accountability. Thanks to Afia Amobeaa-Sakyi, Director, Equity and Inclusion, at Exponent Philanthropy, for partnering on this episode.

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Dan Ely is a trustee of the 1772 Foundation and is former president of the foundation's board. Dan had a 40-year career with First National City Bank (now Citibank N.A.), serving in corporate banking and risk management positions, and later as managing director. Dan is on the board of the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson and also serves Raritan Headwaters Association in Gladstone, NJ. He was a volunteer fireman with the Ralston Engine Company for 17 years.