Terry Meersman, Vice President of Programs at Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP), has announced plans to retire from his role in June of 2022.
In his eleven years with the Philanthropies MACP, Terry has been instrumental in leading work to develop and refine MACP’s program strategies, as well as efforts to integrate the organization’s grantmaking across the different entities originally funded by Margaret Cargill. He has also overseen the growth of MACP’s program staff from 8 members in 2010 to a team of more than 45 in 2021.
Prior to joining MACP, Terry served in various leadership roles across philanthropy, most recently with Seattle-based Talaris Research Institute, a foundation that promotes early childhood development and successful parenting. Terry also helped establish the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. He spent time as a Program Officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts and was a teacher and trainer in countries around the globe. One of Terry’s most notable contributions to the nonprofit sector included the 15 years he spent with Save the Children, which includes roles as Director of Refugee Programs, Executive Vice President, and a member of the Board of Directors.
Paul Busch, President & CEO at MACP commented, “Terry is a lifelong learner and strategic leader who has consistently sought out new approaches and opportunities. We will miss his leadership, experience, and engaging stories. At the same time, we are happy to see him step into this new chapter, with time to spend on personal pursuits and with his family.”
MACP has initiated a national search for Terry’s successor in the Vice President, Programs role with the help of recruiting partner Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group (NPAG), with a goal of identifying and engaging a candidate prior to Terry’s departure.
