Is Jane Wales the most powerful woman in global philanthropy? Ms Wales, a former official in both the Clinton and Carter administrations, now simultaneously holds four positions of considerable influence: CEO of the World Affairs Council of Northern California, President of the Global Philanthropy Forum, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program, and leader of the Clinton Global Initiative’s Poverty Alleviation track. Is there a massive shortage of leadership in international philanthropy or do these multiple appointments suggest an intention to create a network of some kind? Is a merger on the cards – apparently both the Aspen programme and the Global Philanthropy Forum are undergoing ‘strategic planning reviews’ – or will Ms Wales abandon sleep altogether?

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