Partners for Health Foundation (PFH) has named Denise Herrera as its new executive director, effective Sept. 14.
Herrera steps into the role with more than 25 years of experience spanning public health, philanthropy, and organizational development. She most recently served as a senior advisor to national and regional philanthropic organizations—including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—guiding leadership on health equity strategies, culturally responsive evaluation, and equitable grantmaking practices. Her extensive background includes place-based health philanthropy across New Mexico and Central Texas, where she partnered closely with Indigenous, Tribal, and rural communities to strengthen governance, capacity, and COVID-19 recovery initiatives.
“From our first conversations with Denise, we saw a leader whose values and approach to philanthropy strongly align with who PFH has become and where we hope to go,” Casey Castañeda and Ammar Idelbi, co-chairs of the PFH Board of Trustees said. “She brings tremendous experience and expertise, but also curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to listen and learn. We are thrilled to welcome her.”
Herrera succeeds outgoing Executive Director Pam Scott, who was credited with guiding the foundation’s deep commitment to health equity and community-centered grantmaking.
“This work is very personal to me,” Herrera said. “I am deeply grateful to my predecessor, Pam, and other staff and Trustees who led before me and am committed to practicing PFH’s core values and building upon the work already so deeply rooted here.”
A holder of a PhD in Health Education from the University of Texas at Austin and an MS in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona, Herrera will lead the Montclair-based foundation as it continues investing in health equity, policy changes, and direct-service programs across its primary service area encompassing 13 municipalities in Essex County, alongside Clifton and Little Falls in Passaic County.
