College Futures Foundation welcomes to its board of directors Peter Taylor—president of ECMC Foundation, a member of the California State University system’s Board of Trustees, and former CFO for the University of California system. Taylor has deep experience in higher education, finance, and philanthropy. He was appointed by the College Futures board on June 30.

As a director, Taylor will help guide the Foundation’s strategic direction and investments to catalyze systemic change, increase college degree completion, and close equity gaps so that educational opportunities are available to all students—regardless of zip code, skin color, or income.

“We are entering into an era that will present profound challenges for higher education, but equally profound opportunities to reimagine how our systems function and serve students of color and low-income students,” said Monica Lozano, president and CEO of the Foundation.  “Peter is a forward-thinking champion of student success and equity in higher education. We are honored to have him as a thought partner.”

As the president of ECMC Foundation, Taylor has led investments of more than $165 million in initiatives focused on college success and career readiness, especially among underserved populations. Since 2015, he has served on the California State University Board of Trustees. He is a member of the boards of the Parsons Foundation and the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Before joining ECMC Foundation, Taylor was executive vice president and chief financial officer for the University of California. He has also served on the California Performance Review Commission and the board of the California Student Aid Commission. Taylor has over 15 years of experience in investment banking, working for Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital. He earned an M.A. in public policy analysis from Claremont Graduate University and a B.A. from UCLA.

Said Russ Gould, chair of the board of College Futures Foundation: “Peter understands how better college outcomes for more diverse students lead to upward mobility, a stronger workforce, and a more robust and resilient California economy. He is an experienced leader in business, philanthropy, and higher education who recognizes the importance of aligning and connecting those sectors in order to meet student and labor market needs.”

“The upheaval and crises of these times have amplified inequities and underscored the urgent need to ensure that higher education is truly available to everyone,” Taylor said. “I am honored to join the Foundation’s committed and engaged board and look forward to working with our partners to eliminate barriers, increase opportunity, and build a brighter future for California.”