We are happy to announce that Shannon Polk will assume the role of Executive Director of The Witness Foundation. Polk, who will be the Foundation’s first Executive Director, brings significant fundraising and organizational leadership expertise to The Witness Foundation.

Shannon will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of The Witness Foundation’s Fellowship program, which will award five Fellows with $50,000 annually over the course of their two-year fellowship. The Witness Foundation will work with fellows who represent diverse perspectives and unite in advancing the work of Black Christians and their communities. In addition to the Fellowship program, Polk will oversee the launch of a mentoring program that will work in conjunction with the Fellowship.

The Witness Foundation, founded by Jemar Tisby in 2019, is a philanthropic organization that seeks to identify, train, and fund the next generation of Black Christian leaders. The Witness Foundation is a subsidiary of The Witness Incorporated, and sister organization to The Witness Black Christian Collective.