About A to Z
Why?
Who?
A to Z Impact believes that everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare and economic opportunity. As a foundation with a core focus on impact investing, we are active participants in the effort to create a more equitable future for all.
How?
The foundation exists solely to drive impact, and we are committed to doing so across all levels of the organization, from our impact-first investing to our impact-only grantmaking, to our commercial banking, vendor activities and beyond. Decisions at A to Z start and stop with impact.
We balance thoughtful diligence with moving purposefully to get things done. We are clear and transparent, tending to err on the side of oversharing.
We work closely with partners, investors, foundations, and other allies in impact. We collaborate with the intention of attracting more purpose-driven investors onto this impact journey.
We maximize our flexibility by thinking outside the box and questioning the status quo. We take risks on unconventional ideas, embrace unique financial structures, and happily make investments that may take longer than a lifetime to complete.
The foundation exists solely to drive impact, and we are committed to doing so across all levels of the organization, from our impact-first investing to our impact-only grantmaking, to our commercial banking, vendor activities and beyond. Decisions at A to Z start and stop with impact.
We balance thoughtful diligence with moving purposefully to get things done. We are clear and transparent, tending to err on the side of oversharing.
We work closely with partners, investors, foundations, and other allies in impact. We collaborate with the intention of attracting more purpose-driven investors onto this impact journey.
We maximize our flexibility by thinking outside the box and questioning the status quo. We take risks on unconventional ideas, embrace unique financial structures, and happily make investments that may take longer than a lifetime to complete.
Who?
Michael Kaplan
Executive Director and Board Member
Michael oversees the day-to-day administration, management, and operations of A to Z, and explores new possibilities and partnerships through networking and new investment diligence. Yoga philosophy and interfaith studies form the foundation of his understanding of humanity, as he believes strongly that we are all connected and that all lives have equal value. Michael is a 2016 alumnus of The Philanthropy Workshop, a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and an alumnus of the Anthony Abeson Studio. In addition to his work with the foundation, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Andrea Kaplan
Board Member
Andrea is a graduate student working toward a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Hofstra University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Marist College, but found that human relationships are what she values most. Andrea currently interns as a student therapist, has interned with The Water Trust (one of A to Z’s grant partners), and has volunteered at a nursery school. She has personal interests in travel, writing, social justice, and Harry Potter. Andrea sits on the Review and Compensation Committee at A to Z.
Jeff Kaplan
Board Chair
Jeff was a Partner at Deerfield Management, a healthcare investment firm, until his retirement in 2020. He previously held positions at Merrill Lynch and E.F. Hutton. In 2007, Jeff co-founded The Water Trust, an NGO focused on clean water, sanitation and hygiene in rural Uganda, and in 2003, co-founded GOAL (Giving Open Access to Learning), an after-school enrichment program in East Harlem. Jeff is an ordained Interfaith Minister and graduate of All Faith’s Seminary International.
Alex Evangelides
Senior Director, Investments
Alex oversees the impact investing activities of A to Z, including investment strategy, portfolio development, due diligence, negotiation, impact measurement, and partner support. Prior to A to Z, Alex served as a Venture Director at Rippleworks, an Investment Director at FINCA Ventures, a Product Manager at Fenix International (now ENGIE Energy Access), and a Consultant at Deloitte. Alex received his BA in Mathematics from Carleton College, and his MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
