“When you think about what a healthy community looks like, it’s a place that works for every person. What is good for our children and families makes a town a good place to live for everyone.”

Keavy Cook serves as the Foundation’s Vice President of Programs, directing our grantmaking practice and process, supporting program strategy and ensuring cross-program alignment.

Cook joined the Foundation in 2008 as one of its first program officers, was promoted to grants manager, and then as director of the Children Youth and Families team for 10 years – advancing the Foundation’s two-generation approach to parenting education, child abuse prevention, education and more. She feels humbled and honored to work with rural partners and leaders to address the needs of all children and families in our region.

When Keavy was young, she and her naval family moved every year, overseas and domestically. Keavy developed a yearning to “stay put” and become a part of a community, and, even in her youth, could observe how some places were more welcoming and vibrant than others.

Keavy came to Oregon through the RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environment) program, which builds the human capacity in rural communities. Years with RARE eventually led to her dream job working for The Ford Family Foundation.

Keavy holds a master’s degree from the University of Oregon in community and regional planning with a focus in nonprofit management. When she is not at work, Keavy savors time in beautiful natural landscapes with her husband and three kids.
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