Meet Our New CEO

We are thrilled to announce that after an extensive CEO search process that spanned over six months, we have hired Dashiell Elliott as Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s next CEO.

Dashiell is a philanthropic and social impact creative who is invested in equity and accessibility to resources that can increase the capacity and strengthen the vitality of those in marginalized communities. With more than 10 years of experience in the not-for-profit field, Dashiell has spent the last 5 years at the Central New York Community Foundation in Syracuse, NY where she created, implemented and led The Black Equity & Excellence Fund—a $1 million dollar grantmaking initiative that supports Black-led community-based projects that promote and encourage self-sufficiency and address physical and economic conditions that affect quality of life.

Dashiell also spent her time in New York working with grassroots organizations, professional development for nonprofits, strategic partnerships and equitable evaluation and data analysis. Dashiell is strong in creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environments and grantmaking practices that also highlight the importance of intersectionality and accessibility.

Prior to becoming a funder, Dashiell spent time working for various community-based organizations that serve multiple demographics such as suburban, urban, and rural populations. Dashiell has a strong background in mental health services, crisis management, youth mediation, program development, grant management, grant evaluation, grant writing and fund allocation.

Dashiell attended SUNY Empire State College, University of Phoenix and Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY. She majored in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration and Cultural Studies. Dashiell has also graduated from various leadership communities that have enhanced her community outreach and resident engagement skills.

We chose Dashiell because of her excellent background in philanthropy, understanding of private, family, and community foundations, program development, and her clear understanding of how to advance GOSW’s priorities, especially around equity.

Dashiell Elliott will succeed Kendall Clawson, our former CEO who served GOSW in that position since 2018. The board and staff of GOSW are committed to supporting Dashiell in her role as CEO and are looking forward to introducing her to our regional philanthropic community. We are confident that Dashiell’s experience and perspective will further the success of GOSW and build upon the strong foundation of the past 22 years.