Manuel J. Santamaria

Board Member

Director, Gilead Foundation

Manuel Santamaria brings over two decades of expertise in high-impact philanthropy and strategic development. He currently is a Director at the Gilead Foundation, where he leads the grants portfolio across the Foundation's strategic initiatives including the Creating Possible Fund, the Healthcare Education Access and Leadership (HEAL) initiative and other projects. Most recently worked at Silicon Valley Community Foundation where he led numerous programs that provided vital support to nonprofits and service provider collaboratives. While at SVCF he led investment opportunities and special initiatives, including the Bay Area Rapid Response Network, the California Dignity for Families Fund, Census 2020, the Emergency and Disaster Relief Fund, and technology platforms like CitizenshipWorks.Prior to joining Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Manuel worked for Peninsula Community Foundation serving in a variety of roles at the Foundation in the First Five Years, Education & Community Building Portfolios. Manuel is currently on the Board of Directors for Hispanics In Philanthropy and Mission Economic Development Agency. In June 2022, Manuel was appointed as a San Mateo County Health Commissioner.