# Atlantic Philanthropies appoints new CEO

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/10/12/atlantic-philanthropies-appoints-new-ceo/
- Published: 2011-10-12T17:22:07+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Board of The Atlantic Philanthropies has announced the appointment of Christopher
Oechsli as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Oechsli will work with the Board, including Atlantic’s founding Chairman, Charles‘
Chuck’ Feeney, to disburse the foundation’s remaining endowment of approximately
$2.5 billion and complete active grantmaking by 2016 before closing its doors by
2020.

Oechsli will lead Atlantic’s grantmaking through its four programme areas and Founding
Chairman grants in its existing areas.

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Oechsli, 57, has over 30 years of experience in international business, law, philanthropy
and policy development worldwide, including work in several of the regions where
Atlantic operates. Most recently, he served as Associate Fellow and Project Director
at the Institute for Policy Studies, a multi-issue think tank based in Washington,
D.C. From 2007 to 2009, he served as Counsel to U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, whom
he advised on legislation and a range of domestic and international issues.

“As Atlantic enters its final chapter of grantmaking, we face the unprecedented 
challenge of determining the best possible use of the foundation’s remaining resources
to maximise the impact of our grantmaking,” said Peter Smitham, Chairman of Atlantic’s
Board of Directors.

“Chris Oechsli brings the vision, commitment, pragmatism and thoughtfulness required
to lead Atlantic’s grantmaking, operations and investments until the foundation 
closes its doors.”

www.atlanticphilanthropies.org