Wendy Connors, MA

Wendy Connors is the President of the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation.

Wendy Connors is a passionate leader and advocate for science, technology, and education. As president of the Hertz Foundation, she leads the nation’s most prestigious doctoral fellowship in applied science, engineering, and mathematics—equipping exceptional students with unparalleled resources and lifelong support. Under her leadership, the foundation propels the careers of these brilliant minds, amplifying their discoveries to drive transformative impact.

With more than 25 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Wendy has built a distinguished career in fundraising, organizational growth, and strategic leadership, advancing innovation and collaboration within the scientific and technology communities. Before becoming president, she served as the Hertz Foundation’s chief development officer, where she led a nationwide development team and oversaw all aspects of fundraising, including principal gifts, campaign strategy, program design, and board engagement.

As president, Wendy strengthens and unites the Hertz Community, a distinguished network of more than 1,300 pioneering scientists and technologists. Hertz Fellows—recognized at the highest levels—go on to become trailblazing leaders in academia, industry, and government, making groundbreaking contributions to U.S. security and global scientific advancement. Their achievements include Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, Breakthrough Prizes, and other top honors.

Before joining Hertz, Wendy served as executive director of development at MIT Sloan School of Management, where she led global fundraising initiatives to support students, faculty, and research. She played a key leadership role in the MIT Better World Campaign, helping to secure $6 billion in funding to fuel innovation and tackle global challenges.

Wendy holds a master’s degree in education from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College. Committed to lifelong learning, she actively contributes to leadership and nonprofit organizations, including the CDO Network and How Women Lead.

She resides in Boston with her husband, Travis Connors, their two adult children, and their two dogs.