Melvin Galloway

Board Member

Chief Operating Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 

Melvin J. Galloway joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in 2020, bringing with him a distinguished career marked by executive leadership in operations, administration, policy, and program management. His leadership philosophy emphasizes aligning operations and shared services with an organization’s mission and strategic objectives. He fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning, encouraging experimentation to drive organizational growth. Central to his approach is a deep and enduring commitment to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into all business processes.

Melvin was drawn to RWJF by its mission to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal health. He attributes his passion for public service to his mother’s long-standing career in social work at a Cincinnati food bank, where he spent his formative years helping to provide nutritious food to those in need. He views RWJF’s vision for a Culture of Health as a powerful framework for addressing the systemic inequities he witnessed in his own community.

As a senior strategic leader at the Foundation, Melvin is responsible for developing and executing plans to oversee Human Resources and Administration—including facilities and business services—Information Technology, and Finance. He also leads operational crisis management and ensures continuity of operations, including cybersecurity preparedness.

Melvin brings over 20 years of experience in operations, business management, and security. Prior to joining RWJF, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. In this role, he led the organization’s operational, business, and security functions, ensuring alignment with its strategic goals.

Previously, he was Chief Operations Officer for the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, where he managed operations for a complex, federally funded disaster recovery program under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). His experience in disaster recovery also includes his tenure as Assistant Vice President at the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, where he oversaw HUD-funded programs for affordable housing, business, and infrastructure following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Earlier in his career, Melvin served as Associate Director of Operations at The Rockefeller Foundation, acting as deputy to the Chief Operating Officer and managing shared services across domestic and international offices.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and International Studies from Miami University of Ohio and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Finance from New York University. A former Fulbright Scholar, Melvin worked with various civil society organizations in Venezuela.

Originally from Cincinnati, Melvin now resides in New Jersey.