Stewardship in the 21st Century: Lessons from the Gates Foundation

This fireside chat will explore what it means to be a steward of resources, mission, and reputation at the highest level.  Drawing on her leadership role at the Gates Foundation, Carolyn will discuss how institutions can manage vast resources responsibly, and plan for the long term while responding to urgent and immediate challenges.

Carolyn Ainslie oversees the finance and resource planning functions including accounting, financial planning and analysis, risk and assurance, enterprise business management, the Strategic Investment Fund, facilities, events & travel, as well as oversight of the strategy and planning functions for the foundation.  Prior to the foundation in 2018, Carolyn worked for 10 years as Princeton University's vice president for finance and treasurer where she was responsible for the central financial functions of the university and as a member of the president's senior staff, served as a key partner on strategic university initiatives. She also spent 10 years as the vice president for planning and budget at Cornell University.  Carolyn holds a master's in business administration in finance from the University of Rochester and bachelor's degree from Bucknell University.

Ms. Ainslie is participating in a fireside chat in conjunction with the SPI 415 course Contemporary Issues in Philanthropy taught by Dr. Aly Kassam-Remtulla, Lecturer in Public Policy and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Princeton.  Princeton affiliates and members of the public are warmly welcome to attend other public programming associated with the course. 

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.