We have partnered with the Surdna Foundation on a number of searches over the years, including the search for a Program Officer, Andrus Family Fund (AFF). The Surdna Foundation seeks to foster sustainable communities in the United States — communities guided by principles of social justice and distinguished by healthy environments, inclusive economies, and thriving cultures.

Our work resulted in the recruitment of Lincoln Mondy to the role. In this role, he helps guide a $4 million grantmaking portfolio supporting the self-determination, power, and liberation of Black, Brown, AAPI, and Indigenous youth impacted by youth incarceration, child welfare, and other disruptive systems. He manages field leadership and learning agendas alongside the AFF team, board, and Movement Partner Advisory Council to implement AFF’s strategy to advance the abolition of disruptive juvenile systems. Instead, AFF focuses on community-driven alternatives for youth well-being, safety, and justice.

Mondy previously led communications and strategy for Advocates for Youth, a reproductive health organization anchored by a cohort of 150+ youth activists. At Advocates for Youth, he directed a YouTube series for LGBTQ+ youth of color, trained youth activists as storytellers, and managed the organization’s external brand and relationships.  

He began his career supporting a range of justice-focused clients across external affairs, strategy, and design at the political affairs firm BerlinRosen—including the Youth First Initiative, an AFF grantee partner and national campaign to end youth incarceration and invest in community-based supports, services, and opportunities for youth.

Mondy created two short films with the national public health organization Truth Initiative, exploring the origins and impact of the tobacco industry and how it shaped the Black experience in America. He is a recognized expert in messaging and programs tailored to younger audiences, with his work and commentary appearing in CBS News, The Daily Show, Teen Vogue, PAPER, NowThis, Healthline, and more.

He proudly serves on the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington.

Mondy graduated from The George Washington University.