Romanita Hairston

An accomplished team builder, convener, and leader, Romanita draws on over two decades of experience in the nonprofit, for-profit, board service, and philanthropic sectors to inform and animate her leadership of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and stewardship of the private nonprofit foundation’s mission. She joined Candid’s board in 2023.

Romanita gained a deep understanding of nonprofit service, management, and leadership as she held a variety of roles at World Vision, serving millions of beneficiaries and nonprofits across the United States, including as Vice President of U.S. Programs for a decade.

In 2016 she joined the Murdock Trust as a program director working with nonprofits and leaders across various sectors. Romanita collaborated with staff and constituents to develop enrichment programs and convenings designed to serve the diverse needs of the region and served on national convenings and working groups.

Romanita joined Microsoft in 2018, where she led a global effort focused on understanding how to improve employability in higher education through technical skilling and workforce partnerships. She also led the technical content portfolio management team responsible for skilling Microsoft global audience as well as her department’s DEI efforts focusing on building community and greater cultural competence.

Romanita graduated from the University of Washington and earned an MBA in global development and nonprofit management from Eastern University in Philadelphia. She founded MORE320, a nonprofit consulting company supporting organizations as they seek to effect social change. An active volunteer, Romanita has served on numerous boards leading up to her role with the Trust.