MENLO PARK, Calif. – Brett Johnson, a portfolio manager in public real estate and equity investments, has joined The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation as associate director for public investments, Hewlett officials announced today.

Johnson was previously the chief investment officer and portfolio manager for Grubb & Ellis AGA, a San Mateo–based mutual fund and investment firm, where he designed and managed its process for investing in real estate securities and fixed-income investments. Co-founder of the investment firm AGA, he later sold it to Grubb & Ellis and continued to work for the merged firm from 2005 until joining the Hewlett Foundation.

At the Foundation, he will work closely with other senior members of the investment team to evaluate and select external fund managers, monitor their performance, and develop investment strategies.       

“Brett’s strong analytical background will be a great fit with the needs of Hewlett’s investment team,” said Laurance Hoagland, vice president and chief investment officer for the Foundation. “We welcome his expertise and look forward to having him as a colleague.”

Before Grubb & Ellis and AGA, Johnson served in a variety of positions as an analyst and researcher for real estate and other equities. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and international relations from Stanford University and a master’s degree in business administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

“I’m really looking forward to joining Hewlett’s investment team and contributing to its good work,” Johnson said.

About The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has been making grants since 1967 to help solve social and environmental problems at home and around the world. The Foundation concentrates its resources on activities in education, the environment, global development, performing arts, philanthropy, and population, and makes grants to support disadvantaged communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Contact:
Jack Fischer
Hewlett Foundation Communications Officer
(650) 234-4500 ext. 5744
jfischer@hewlett.org