LOS ANGELES, January 28, 2026 – Liz Vogel has been named executive director of New Pluralists, a cross-ideological funder collaborative supporting efforts that bring people together across lines of difference to address our nation’s most pressing problems. 

Vogel comes to the work of pluralism from the field of civic education, bringing more than 20 years of experience leading philanthropic strategy, fundraising and operations. She joined New Pluralists in 2023 as director of philanthropic engagement and was promoted to interim executive director in 2024.  

“We are at a cultural crossroads, with dehumanization threatening to become our default setting,” Vogel said. “To counter this, we must treat pluralism as a necessary civic discipline and a practical path forward. When we commit to the inherent dignity of our neighbors and cooperate across our deepest divides, we secure the foundation needed to withstand the pressures of polarization that undermine our democracy.”

Since its founding in 2021, New Pluralists has granted $33 million to more than 100 organizations working to foster belonging, social trust and cooperation in communities across the United States. Grantees include local organizations such as the All In Initiative in Connecticut and Bears Ears Partnership in Utah, as well as national groups such as Future Caucus, More in Common and Welcoming America.

“Liz is the ideal person to lead the next chapter of New Pluralists,” said Funder Co-Lead Jessica Slade of the Webber Family Foundation. “Her tenacity, professionalism and collaboration skills are unmatched. She also walks the walk – embodying the values of pluralism in how she lives her life.”

As interim executive director, Vogel led the collaborative through a pivotal transition, helping shape and launch the 2030 Strategy to accelerate pluralism practices, build greater alignment across the ecosystem and deepen engagement with a growing community of funders. New initiatives include the launch of the 2026 Breakthrough Fund focused on community solutions that harness cooperation across class lines.

“Over the last year, Liz has done a masterful job balancing short-term needs with long-term vision, building momentum around our new strategy, and earning the confidence of the staff and funder community,” said New Pluralists Funder Co-Lead Jon Gruber of Einhorn Collaborative.

Before joining New Pluralists, Liz served as the Southern California executive director of Facing History and Ourselves, a national organization that challenges teachers and students to stand up to bigotry and hate. She also worked as an independent philanthropic advisor, supporting ultra-high-net-worth families, donor communities, and nonprofit organizations to increase giving toward a range of social issues. In her spare time, Vogel is training to serve as an end-of-life doula.

About New Pluralists

Founded in 2021, New Pluralists is a cross-ideological funder collaborative investing together in a culture of respect and belonging in the United States. Through grantmaking, convening and storytelling, New Pluralists supports a growing ecosystem of organizations working to connect people across lines of difference and solve problems together. New Pluralists invests in the relationships, practices and tools we need to create a thriving democracy.

Full Press Release can be found here.