Markle Chief Says Foundation Is Not in Trouble

To the Editor:

Meg Sommerfeld’s article on the Markle Foundation (“Departures of Key Staff Members Raise Questions at Markle Foundation,” April 20) was incomplete in very important dimensions. Sommerfeld dwelled on some foundation staff departures while failing to include the information we gave her on the tremendous experience and new capability brought by the people who have replaced them, and by additional people we have brought in. (Nor did she discuss any of the major projects or grants we have undertaken.)

Just as my team and I have reoriented the focus and strategy of the Markle Foundation, so too are we building the best program staff to pursue that mission — and it is a wonderful and talented group of people.

I would like to introduce your readers to our most recent additions. Hired to head our program on Children and Interactive Media is Alice Cahn, formerly group president of Children’s Television Workshop and previously head of children’s media for PBS — truly one of the country’s major leaders on children’s media. Other new program staff include Barbara Fedida, formerly senior producer for ABC News, Nancy Green from the Open Society Institute, Yalda Nikoomanesh from the Center for Media Education, Susan Sigel from Time Warner, and Amy Wolfcale from Consumer Reports.

With these hires, and the previous addition of Julia Moffett, a former vice president of NBC News, who has led the development of our strategy, our plans are right on target.

Just eight months ago the foundation announced a new funding strategy that focuses on enhancing the public interest in the world of new media. This is a challenging task in the current media environment, which is dominated by the vast resources and extraordinary talent devoted to for-profit activities. I am pleased to say that the staff in place at the Markle Foundation is working to advance the public interest with great energy, talent, and enthusiasm.

Zoë Baird
President
John and Mary R. Markle Foundation
New York