Travis Baird is the executive director of the Maverick Capital Foundation (MCF). The purpose of MCF is to instill a culture of philanthropy in the firm (Maverick Capital) by educating employees on issues affecting the community and funding highly effective organizations that create opportunities for economic mobility. Travis directly leads the MCF. New York region’s grantmaking and helps guide the strategies for MCF Dallas and MCF San Francisco. He is actively engaging the boards of every city to make impactful and equitable grantmaking while thoughtfully focusing on our sectors of focus: education, postsecondary access and success, survival, workforce development, and criminal justice reform. Before entering philanthropy, Travis was an entrepreneur running corporate wellness start-ups. He managed a team of personal trainers, vendors, and general contractors across the city servicing private businesses, luxury condominiums, and hotels. Travis holds a BA in Political Science and government and a BFA in Theater from New York University. Travis is a native New Yorker who grew up in Brooklyn and was raised by his mother, a former public school teacher who instilled a passion for being a leader and giving back to his community. He recently joined the philanthropic sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice movement. Travis is committed to advocating for his community as he lends expertise and perspective from living through the issues philanthropy is trying to address.