| Mathieu Nelessen is President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Princeton Area Community Foundation,
where he leads efforts to advance philanthropy,
strengthen nonprofit partnerships, and create lasting
community impact throughout Central New Jersey.
With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership
experience, Mathieu has an extensive background in strategic planning,
organizational growth, fundraising, and operational excellence. Prior to joining
the Community Foundation in 2025, he served as the inaugural Chief Executive
Officer of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance
(CARRA), leading a significant organizational transformation.
Previously, Mathieu spent more than a decade in executive leadership positions
with the American Red Cross, including national oversight of business strategy
and planning for its $2.4 billion Biomedical Services operation. He also led major
disaster response and recovery efforts following Superstorm Sandy and
Hurricane Harvey.Throughout his career, Mathieu has helped raise more than $100 million in philanthropic support. His earlier leadership experience includes positions with the American Diabetes Association, Rider University, and Special Olympics New
Jersey.A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in psychology, Mathieu is a
recipient of the NJBIZ Forty Under 40 Award and currently serves on the Board of
Trustees of D&R Greenway Land Trust and the Christina Seix Academy |