Jeff Raikes

Jeff Raikes, a co-founder of the Raikes Foundation, has dedicated his extensive career to technology sector leadership and philanthropic initiatives. Prior to his philanthropic endeavors, Raikes held a 27-year career at Microsoft Corporation, where he ascended to become the President of the Microsoft Business Division. His tenure at Microsoft was marked by his role as a key strategist behind the company's investments in graphical applications for the Apple Macintosh and the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as driving the product strategy and design of Microsoft Office.

Upon his retirement from Microsoft in 2008, Raikes took on the role of CEO at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, serving until 2014. His leadership in this position showcased his commitment to philanthropy and his ability to lead large-scale organizations. His philanthropic work extends to his role on the boards of multiple organizations, such as Giving Tech Labs, Costco Wholesale, Hudl, and the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

In addition to his professional and philanthropic responsibilities, Raikes has made significant personal contributions to educational institutions. He was a major donor to the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity at Stanford University and donated approximately $10 million to the University of Nebraska's JD Edwards Honors Program. His commitment to education is further evidenced by his service as the Chair of the Stanford University Board of Trustees. With a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering-economic systems from Stanford University, Raikes' expertise spans both technology and management.