Carly Hare – CEO Headwaters Foundation

Carly is a citizen of the Pawnee Nation with Yankton family, whose Pawnee name “i kita u hoo a hiks” means “kind leader of people”. She brings lived experience growing up in a rural tribal community in Oklahoma, providing authentic understanding of Indigenous community needs. Carly attended AISES Summer Camps as a student and brings personal experience navigating higher education challenges, including working three jobs to complete her college degree.

Carly has Executive Leadership experience serving currently as CEO of Headwaters Foundation (starting January 2025), previously has served as Portfolio Director at The Colorado Health Foundation, National Director of CHANGE Philanthropy, ED of Native Americans in Philanthropy, Director of Development for Native American Rights, and Director of Programs for The Community Foundation serving Boulder County.

Carly has Board experience previously serving on Board of Trustees Chair, Common Counsel Foundation, as Treasurer, Highlander Research and Education Center Board of Directors, Chair, Impact on Education Board. Also, as a Board member of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Pawnee Evening Star Fund, and Equity in the Center.

She has presented at over 50 convenings and received awards for her leadership role in philanthropy.