Celebrating Dr. Robert K. Ross

24 Years of Planting Change

Thank you Dr. Robert K. Ross for your leadership & building power as President & CEO of The California Endowment

FA Image Dr. Robert K. Ross
#GetLoud

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable legacy Dr. Robert K. Ross has built while serving as our President & CEO.

With 24 years of tireless dedication, he has been instrumental in cultivating people power and advancing the critical causes of health equity and social justice, empowering individuals across California to make their voices heard and drive meaningful change.

His unwavering commitment has shaped everything we do, and he leaves an enduring impact on the communities we serve throughout California.

Send Dr. Robert K. Ross a Thank You
Explore the campaign Woman

24 Years of Planting Change

  • Building Healthy Communities

    Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years Learn more

  • Health4All

    Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted Learn more

  • Investing in and observing

    Investing in and observing the work of community organizers is truly fuel for optimism. Our partners and community leaders have demonstrated that grantees are the architects of a reimagined health destiny.

    DR. ROBERT K. ROSS
    President & CEO, The California Endowment
  • Youth Awards

    Youth Awards 37 total awards given Learn more

  • Schools Not Prisons

    Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016 Learn more

  • 24 Years of Planting Change
    24 Years of Planting Change
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    Watch the impassioned spoken word performance centering Dr. Ross' life, work, and legacy by artists Desiree Stevens, Jose Cordon, Brandon Leaks, and Sun Luu.
  • Farmworker Health

    Farmworker Health $50M initiative Learn more

  • TCE Grant Making 2023

    TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded Learn more

  • Dr Ross Speech
    Dr Ross Speech
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    Dr. Ross shares some words on his legacy, life and friendships with those gathered at the event.
  • Parks for All

    Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA Learn more

  • Racial injustice

    Racial injustice, structural inequality are made by the human hand. Which means that they can be dismantled by the human hand. Dismantled by human leadership, human action, human voice, human advocacy, human activism.

    DR. ROBERT K. ROSS
    President & CEO, The California Endowment

Wishing Wall

Dr. Ross,
You are an amazing person/soul! Wish you the best retirement!

Dr. Ross -
The man who helped me to dream in decades! Thank you for your leadership and example of courage. You’ve made us all better!
- Kaci Patterson

On behalf of Music Changing Lives, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication. Your commitment to nurturing and inspiring young minds through philanthropy is truly transformative. May you continue to touch lives & bring harmony to our communities. We are blessed to have you as a part of our journey.
- Josiah (Music Changing Lives)

Bob -
With huge appreciation for an example of excellence, humility, and grace.
Best wishes.

Dr. Ross,
Thank you for your unwavering support of the HCA and the BHC. You made a difference in the world, and supported us to do the same.
In gratitude,
- Yvonne Maria Jimenez
NLSLA

Bob -
I love you and always will. Now come and join my board!
- Kim Lewis

Your words at the Liberty Hill dinner always stuck with me and I continue to share the message today.
Thank you,
- Darryl

Dr. Ross,
I hope you have some amazing adventures planned. Enjoy!
- Andrea Williams (Southside Coalition)

Job well done! Now it’s time to take some ‘bob’ time. We love and appreciate you!
- Arnold & Karen Perkins

Bob,
We wish you good health, adventure, and lots of love in your life’s journey.
- Julie & Pete Brown

Bobbie -
May God continue to order your steps. He;s not finished with you yet.

Happiest wishes for a joyous and peaceful retirement after an amazing and productive career! Come back to visit TCE!
- Diana Yang

Thank you, Bob! THis Center for Strategic Partnership thrives because you helped nurture the value of partnerships. I will be forever grateful to you and for you. Plus I love that you are not shy about spirituality.

Dr. Ross,
Thank you very much for all your efforts. You’ve planted many seeds and tended greatly to your community. I’m immensely grateful for your work. Take a moment to appreciate yourself. Thank you!

Bob!
Sending love and thanks to you - a role model for the good.
- Robin

Thanks for everything!!! Best of luck!

Dearest Bob,
Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to work with you! An honor and a privilege.
Love always.

A tu salud! Con cariño y respeto.

Dear Dr. Ross,
Wishing you joy, peace, and more free time than you know what to do with. I love you!
- Marc P.

Best wishes!
- Melinda Smith and the Helpguide team

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Thank you, Dr. Robert K. Ross, for your innovative leadership and for leading us these past 24 years with courage, compassion, and unwavering conviction.

As he steps out of this role and into his next adventure, we honor his legacy and pledge to carry forward the torch of passion and commitment to build a healthier, more just California for all.

Dr. Robert K. Ross

Unveiling Our
2025 Annual
Report

The California Endowment is proud to present our 2025 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.

View Report
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