Deborah Johnston

The Foundation’s mission aligns perfectly with my values and I am honored to be a part of it. I see my role as an opportunity to share my financial expertise with both donors and colleagues, and am particularly drawn to the rewarding work of helping donors create lasting charitable legacies.

Deborah Johnston joined The Foundation in 2023 and serves as chief financial officer / senior vice president of finance and administration.

Deborah brings more than 20 years of expertise in streamlining financial operations, developing fiscal transparency, and initiating best practices and compliance for nonprofits and start-ups to mature for-profit enterprises. Before joining The Foundation, Deborah was the chief financial officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for five years, strategically overseeing all financial operations of personnel, expenses and revenue, total assets, and the museum’s endowment. Previously, she served in senior management roles overseeing daily business, financial, and accounting functions at the Art Institute of Chicago and The Huntington Library in San Marino.

She also held leadership and financial roles in real estate development, finance and insurance firms, and in public accounting. She intentionally transitioned from the corporate world to work at nonprofits with missions that align with her values. She lives in Woodland Hills with her husband and Boxer Mutt.