Carla Javits

Carla Javits is President and CEO of REDF (The Roberts Enterprise Development Fund), a pioneering venture philanthropy galvanizing a national movement of employment social enterprises—purpose-driven, revenue-generating businesses that help people striving to overcome significant employment barriers (histories of incarceration, homelessness) get good jobs and build better lives. Employment social enterprises provide paying jobs, training, and services so that employees can stabilize their lives, develop a work history, and build skills and confidence leading to lasting, competitive employment. 

Through her stewardship, REDF has invested in almost 200 employment social enterprises across more than 30 states. These businesses have generated close to $1B in revenue and employed more than 50,000 people—and counting.

In partnership with REDF's founder and Board Chair, George R. Roberts (Co-Chair of KKR), a multi-disciplinary Board and experienced team, Ms. Javits focuses on achieving measurable results by building the partnerships and systems to provide a business solution to joblessness among those overcoming the most significant challenges.  

Under Ms. Javits' leadership, REDF grew its’ footprint from its’ initial California base to cover the US, fueled by two large federal Social Innovation Fund grants and deep support from philanthropic individuals and institutions. Ms. Javits is called on frequently to share her expertise at a variety of domestic and international events and venues.

Before joining REDF, Ms. Javits was President and CEO of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, which provided technical assistance and funding to service-enriched housing initiatives that ended homelessness for tens of thousands while engaging in national policy work and organizing that led to significant public and private investments in supportive housing. She was a Program Analyst with the California Office of the Legislative Analyst and Director of Policy and Planning for the San Francisco Department of Social Services.

Ms. Javits holds a BA and Master’s in Public Policy from UC Berkeley. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Melville Charitable Trust and is the President of the Marian B. and Jacob K. Javits Foundation. Ms. Javits is involved in board or advisory roles with Third Sector Capital Partners, Inc., the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship at Duke University, and Bay Area: Rise Together.