William Foster
Managing Partner, Bridgespan
William Foster is Bridgespan’s managing partner and an active thought leader on philanthropy and social change. Since joining Bridgespan in 2002, William has supported the success of some of the sector’s most innovative philanthropies and high-impact nonprofits. He is known for his commitment to nonpartisanship and to building strong teams, and his work has shaped sector practices and helped build some of civil society’s strongest institutions. William spent eight years as the head of U.S. Advisory Services, working closely with Bridgespan’s partners to guide the overall consulting practice. As a leader at Bridgespan, William focuses on growing the team, capabilities, and culture.
Prior to joining Bridgespan, William worked at Bain & Co. He received a BA from Harvard College and an MBA from Stanford University where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar. William chairs the board of Phare Bio and serves on the Samueli Foundation’s board of directors. In March 2027, William will assume the role of president and CEO of the Pew Charitable Trusts.
