Stacy Palmer is chief executive of the Chronicle of Philanthropy and led the organization’s transition to an independent nonprofit in April 2023. She helped found the Chronicle in 1988, when it was started by the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inc. Palmer served as top editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy from 1996 to 2023. 

Under Palmer’s leadership, the organization has evolved from a biweekly newspaper for social-sector professionals into a multimedia source of journalism and information about foundations and nonprofits. Since 2019, Palmer has successfully attracted more than $16 million in philanthropic support to advance the Chronicle’s goals.

Among its signature efforts: the annual Philanthropy 50 ranking of the Americans who give the most and the Commons, a special section dedicated to showing how nonprofits and foundations can heal divides.