about the foundation
We Bring People Together to Make an Impact.
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life across Silicon Valley.
We support health, education and essential community needs by raising and distributing funds through our races, partnerships and philanthropic initiatives. Together, we’re helping create opportunities for individuals and families across Silicon Valley to thrive.
Our MISSION
We improve the quality of life in Silicon Valley by supporting organizations that provide access to basic needs, health, education, and opportunity for individuals and families across our community.
Health
Education
Essential needs
OUR BENEFICIARIES
OUR SPONSORS
Decades of Action
What began as a vision to unite Silicon Valley around shared causes has grown into a powerful platform that combines philanthropy, wellness, and civic engagement. Each event adds another chapter to a lasting legacy of support, connection, and opportunity.
A Legacy of Community-Driven Impact
Meet the People
Behind the Mission
Our core team is made up of dedicated professionals who lead the planning and delivery of our events, cultivate strategic partnerships, and work year-round to advance the Foundation’s mission of improving life across Silicon Valley.
Katharina Tschirner
Katharina Tschirner serves as the race team's Community Engagement Manager. She serves as the contact for our corporate teams, manages the registration platform, and oversees the Packet Pickup events for all our races, always ensuring a positive experience for our participants.
Before joining the SVLG Foundation, she worked as a communications expert at KPMG in Germany. Katharina has a Master's degree in International Communication and studied in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family on a hike, run, or just in the backyard.
Chris Weiler
Chris Weiler serves as the Managing Director for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation. In this role he oversees all aspects related to the planning and execution of the Foundation's charitable running events which donate more than $1M annually to local charities. These events are headlined by the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot which at 20,000+ participants is America's largest Thanksgiving Day race.
A graduate of the University of California San Diego with a degree in Quantitative Economics and Decision Science. His lifelong passion for endurance events along with a love of community and supporting those in need has led Chris to this role where he can accomplish all three together. Chris enjoys time exercising with his wife and daughter and loves running into people out on the trails who comment "Hey you're the Turkey Trot guy", "Yes I am!".
Laura Clendaniel
Laura Clendaniel serves as the Associate Director for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation. In her role, she oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of the Foundation's charitable events and initiatives, ensuring they run smoothly and create meaningful impact within the community.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Laura was Vice President of Programs at Healthier Kids Foundation, where she led school-based initiatives supporting the health and wellness of students throughout Santa Clara County. Laura earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Oregon State University and an MBA from Santa Clara University. When she's not working, you'll find her hiking, skiing, or spending time with family and friends--often accompanied by her dog.
AHMAD THOMAS
Ahmad Thomas is a former investment banker and senior Congressional aide, he brings two decades of experience working both in and on behalf of businesses, social enterprises, and governments, where he has honed a cross-functional skill set grounded in finance, purpose-driven growth, strategy, business development, public policy, and communications, with a deep working knowledge of the practice and application of stakeholder capitalism principles.
CHRIS WEILER
Managing Director
Chris Weiler serves as the Race Director for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation…
Laura Clendaniel
Associate Director
Laura Clendaniel serves as the Associate Director for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation…
KATHARINA TSCHIRNER
Community Engagement Manager
Katharina Tschirner serves as the race team’s Community Engagement Manager…
Meet The Board Members
Shaping Our Impact
Our board and leadership team include dedicated business and community leaders who share a commitment to improving life across Silicon Valley.
Nadia Ahmad
Board Chair / KPMG
Michelle VonderHaar
Board Secretary / Tenable
Tom Hayse
Board Treasurer
Sonu Ratra
Akraya
Kathleen King
Board Vice Chair
Kim Fennell
Robot.com
Janikke Klem
Citizens Business Bank
Daniel Witt
Lucid Motors
James Snell
Ashurst Perkins Coie
Vishal Verma
Edgewood Ventures
Jacob Martinez
Digital Nest
Justin Prettyman
San Francisco 49ers Foundation
Meet The Board Members
Shaping Our Impact
Our board and leadership team include dedicated business and community leaders who share a commitment to improving life across Silicon Valley.
Nadia Ahmad
Board Chair / KPMG
Michelle VonderHaar
Board Secretary / Tenable
Tom Hayse
Board Treasurer
Sonu Ratra
Akraya
Kathleen King
Board Vice Chair
Kim Fennell
Robot.com
Janikke Klem
Citizens Business Bank
Daniel Witt
Lucid Motors
James Snell
Perkins Coie
Vishal Verma
Edgewood Ventures
Jacob Martinez
Digital Nest
Justin Prettyman
San Francisco 49ers Foundation
In Collaboration with Silicon Valley Leadership Group
We work in collaboration with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. Founded in 1977 by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, the organization brings together leading CEOs and stakeholders to help shape a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future for Silicon Valley.
While the Foundation operates independently as a 501(c)(3), this relationship helps connect our mission with a powerful network of companies and community leaders committed to creating lasting impact.
