Joseph Matara Appointed Chief Operating Officer of Unbound Philanthropy
Unbound Philanthropy announced today the appointment of Joseph Matara as Chief Operating Officer, starting May 15, 2023.
Joseph will oversee all aspects of Unbound’s Finance and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Grants Management, to advance Unbound’s mission to invest in leaders and organizations in the US and UK contributing to vibrant, welcoming societies and just immigration systems, as part of pluralist, inclusive democracies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joseph to Unbound as our Chief Operating Officer,” said Taryn Higashi, Executive Director of Unbound Philanthropy. “Joseph brings with him deep technical skill and experience, personal life experience, and passion and fit with our mission. He is a respected and compassionate leader who we are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside with.”
Joseph brings extensive experience working in philanthropy, non-profit, and for-profit institutions. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at the Victoria Foundation, a community development foundation in Newark, New Jersey, where he worked since 2017. He was previously the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer at New Community Corporation in Newark—recognized as one of the largest, most comprehensive community development corporations in the U.S.—where he worked for 15 years.
Joseph is originally from Kenya and has spent time there developing schools for children in informal settlements; he is the founder of GRACE Project, a not-for-profit organization that is providing opportunities in education, healthcare, and vocational training for families in rural Kenya. He volunteers at GRACE Project and is a board member of several non-profit organizations in the U.S. and abroad.
Joseph has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from New Jersey City University and a Master of Business Administration degree from St. John’s University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. He lives in New Jersey with wife and two sons.