Berkeley, California – October 7, 2020 – Linda Song Wendel, a strategic leader with more than two decades of experience leading corporate social responsibility and communications programs for companies and nonprofit organizations, has been named Communications Director at the CARESTAR Foundation.
In collaboration with the Foundation’s leadership, Linda is responsible for shaping the brand and driving strategic communications initiatives that will establish CARESTAR as a thought leader in the first response innovations world.
“We are so excited to add Linda’s communications and marketing expertise to the CARESTAR Foundation as we work to advance our mission to improve health outcomes for all Californians,” said Tanir Ami, chief executive officer of the Foundation. “Her proven ability to help organizations achieve growth, positioning, and social impact through strategic partnerships and empathetic storytelling will help raise the Foundation’s profile and allow us to leverage marketing and communications as an integral part of how and where CARESTAR makes an impact.”
“In addition to her extensive experience in philanthropy and communications, Linda also brings a strong focus and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to the team.”
Linda, who started her career in public relations, has held senior roles in the US and the UK, where she led the corporate philanthropy programs at Burberry PLC and Lehman Brothers in Europe. Most recently, as head of global citizenship for Franklin Templeton Investments in San Mateo, Linda was responsible for overseeing the company’s worldwide philanthropic initiatives and was instrumental in launching the firm’s first-ever diversity and inclusion program.
“In addition to her extensive experience in philanthropy and communications, Linda also brings a strong focus and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to the team. As we strive to apply a racial equity lens in our funding and advocacy work, she will undoubtedly help ensure that the lived experience of all people in our communities remains at the heart of our work,” Ami added.
Linda has a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree from Roehampton University in London. Her post-graduate studies also include participation in Harvard University’s Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership program and The Conference Board’s Diversity and Inclusion Leaders Academy. She serves or has served on numerous nonprofit boards, advisory groups, and taskforces for organizations including the Piedmont Education Foundation, the Oakland Museum of California, and Girls Leadership.
About the CARESTAR Foundation
The CARESTAR Foundation was founded as a result of the sale of CALSTAR (California Shock Trauma Air Rescue) and honors CALSTAR’S legacy and lifesaving work in the field of emergency and trauma care. CARESTAR’s mission is to strengthen connections and foster partnerships in California’s injury prevention, emergency response, and trauma care landscape to improve outcomes for all Californians.