Pew Announces Staffing Changes to Enhance Operational Performance

The Pew Charitable Trusts announced today a slate of leadership changes designed to enhance the organization’s operational performance and streamline its management structure. The changes support organizational continuity and promote experienced leaders ahead of the planned retirement of Pew’s president and CEO, Sue Urahn, which was announced last year.

Rea Holmes was promoted to senior vice president, general counsel, effective Jan. 1, 2026. In this role, she is responsible for determining the organization’s legal positions and practices, overseeing corporate legal affairs and risk management matters, providing legal advice to Pew’s board of directors, senior leadership, and staff, and leading the organization’s internal team of attorneys as well as legal, compliance, and board services professionals. Holmes also serves on the board of directors of Pew Research Center, a subsidiary of the Trusts. She was previously a director, senior counsel, and vice president at Pew.

Sarah Senno will become senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, effective Feb. 18. Senno joined Pew in 2007 and has held a variety of positions at the organization, most recently as vice president, finance and treasurer. In her new role, Senno will be responsible for ensuring that Pew’s financial and technology strategies, practices, and systems advance the organization’s mission. She will also provide counsel on financial matters to the organization’s board of directors.

Elaine Bowman, currently vice president for human resources, will become senior vice president, people and workplace. Her appointment is also effective Feb. 18. Bowman has led people strategy at Pew since 2015. In this expanded role, she will lead the institution’s people strategy and global workplace portfolio—aligning talent, culture, and physical environments to maximize program impact, fiscal stewardship, and staff experience.

“I want to acknowledge Rea, Sarah, and Elaine, who are stepping up to lead core operational teams at a time of change for the organization,” said Urahn. “I’m confident that these promotions position us well for continuity, stability, and stewardship of our resources. I’m looking forward to working closely with these leaders in their new roles.”