Donna Kalajian Lagani Named Co-Executive Director of the Hearst Foundations

NEW YORK, November 11, 2024 - The Hearst Foundations today announced that Donna Kalajian Lagani has been named co-executive director of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation of California and the Hearst Foundation, Inc. of New York. The announcement was made by Presidents of the Hearst Foundations, William Randolph Hearst III and Virginia Randt.

Previously vice president and eastern director of the Hearst Foundations since 2022, Lagani joins Executive Director Paul "Dino" Dinovitz in advancing the philanthropic initiatives of the Foundations, which in January surpassed $1.5 billion in grantmaking to over 6,400 organizations across 22,730 individual grants since their founding in 1946.

Kalajian Lagani was named vice president and eastern director of the Foundations in 2022, having joined in 2019 as senior program officer after nearly 25 years at Hearst Magazines. Dinovitz joined the Foundations in 2005.

Operating independently from Hearst, the Foundations are national philanthropic resources for organizations working in the fields of education, health, culture and social service. Grantmaking also includes administering two unique annual programs: the United States Senate Youth Program for high school juniors and seniors as a public service immersion in Washington D.C. and the Journalism Awards Program for undergraduates studying journalism at accredited schools of journalism.

Randt commented: "Donna's commitment to philanthropy and her dynamic leadership, along with Dino's, promises a continued legacy of positive impact. Her efforts will ensure the Foundations' programs enhance lives, as envisioned by our founder."

Hearst added, "The Hearst Foundations were established to carry forward my grandfather's belief in the power of philanthropy to create lasting positive change. I am pleased to see this legacy continue through the appointment of dedicated leaders like Donna, who will help ensure our mission of enhancing lives across the nation endures for generations to come."

Kalajian Lagani said, "It's a profound honor to co-lead an institution with such a noble mission. I am excited to continue nurturing relationships that effect lasting change nationwide."

Hearst Foundations' grants support organizations that create sustainable employment and productive career paths for adults; improve health and quality of life; increase academic achievement through access to high-quality educational options; promote the arts and sciences as a cornerstone of society; and enhance family stability and self-sufficiency.

Kalajian Lagani joined Hearst Magazines in 1995 as publisher of Cosmopolitan and was named publishing director in 1999. She added oversight of Seventeen in 2014 and of Women's Health in 2018, following Hearst's acquisition of Rodale.

About Hearst Foundations
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foundation Inc. are independent private philanthropies operating separately from Hearst. Since their creation in 1946, the Hearst Foundations have awarded $1.5 billion in funding across over 22,730 grants, reflecting the philanthropic interests of William Randolph Hearst. The Foundations act as a unified national philanthropic resource for nonprofit organizations and institutions working in the fields of education, health, culture and social service. Their work helps to ensure that people of all backgrounds can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. For more information about the Hearst Foundations, please visit www.HearstFDN.org.

Contact: Paul Luthringer, Hearst, 212-649-2540, [email protected]