Staff Reports | Community Updates
Gene D’Adamo will retire as president and chief executive officer of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust in January 2027, concluding a 12‑year tenure overseeing the organization’s philanthropic work in Arizona and Indiana.
Mr. D’Adamo has led the Trust since 2014, guiding shifts in grantmaking strategy and overseeing program expansion across both states. During his tenure, the Trust awarded nearly $214 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, according to a press release.
“Gene D’Adamo has been an outstanding CEO for the Trust during the last 12 years,” said Carol Schilling, trustee and board chair of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. “He has helped us refine our vision and rise to meet unexpected challenges facing the philanthropic community. Gene helped us find the most effective ways to support Arizona and Indiana during the COVID‑19 crisis and economic downturns, when community needs were greatest and nonprofit resources were most stretched. And he has always been a delight to work with.”
Under Mr. D’Adamo’s leadership, the Trust adopted a more trust‑based and strategic approach to grantmaking, including reducing application burdens, expanding capacity‑building grants and offering flexible funding to smaller nonprofits. He also emphasized research, community listening and ongoing engagement with nonprofit and civic leaders.
Mr. D’Adamo oversaw the Trust’s animal welfare initiative and helped establish environmental and journalism initiatives focused on responsible pet ownership, water conservation and local civic engagement. During his tenure, grantmaking supported measurable changes across multiple issue areas, including increased spay‑and‑neuter services, improvements in water quality and expanded local news coverage.
“Gene’s leadership and steady vision have shaped the Trust in lasting ways,” said Kent Agness, trustee of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. “From strengthening our commitment to the causes close to Mrs. Pulliam’s heart to strategic grantmaking that guided the organization through meaningful growth, Gene leaves an enduring legacy defined by integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service. We are grateful for Gene’s years of dedication and wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter.”
Mr. D’Adamo’s career spans more than 38 years in community engagement and philanthropy. Before joining the Trust, he served as a loaned executive with Valley of the Sun United Way and later as vice president of community relations for Republic Media, which included The Arizona Republic, 12 News and azcentral.com. He also developed the Season for Sharing program, which has distributed millions of dollars to nonprofits in Arizona and Indiana.
He spent 33 years at The Arizona Republic, formerly part of Central Newspapers Inc., owned by Eugene C. Pulliam and Nina Mason Pulliam. His career was shaped by mentorship under longtime public affairs director Bill Shover and the late Frank Russell, the Trust’s founding board chair. Mr. D’Adamo has served on more than 20 nonprofit boards and has received numerous awards recognizing his philanthropic leadership.
“Gene D’Adamo’s retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter,” said Lisa Shover Kackley, trustee of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. “His leadership and guidance have strengthened the organization and inspired colleagues and partners alike, leaving a legacy that will endure well beyond this moment. With a longstanding connection to the Trust and the Pulliam family, Gene’s leadership has always been grounded in relationships, trust, and shared values. Gene’s impact on the Trust and philanthropy will be felt for years to come.”
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to work at the Pulliam Trust,” Mr. D’Adamo said. “Working with our incredible staff, nonprofit partners, community leaders, and foundation colleagues has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my career. We’ve accomplished some incredible things in support of our communities.
I started my career at 18, working for The Arizona Republic/The Phoenix Gazette when Nina and Gene owned it. I grew up, personally and professionally, under the Pulliam tradition, so ending my career by carrying on Nina’s amazing legacy is a dream come true. I couldn’t have scripted a better career path.”
Jeff Small, the Trust’s vice president of programs, will succeed Mr. D’Adamo as president and CEO upon his retirement.
