ABOUT US

Founded in 2013, by Scott and Caroline Wallach, the CHESS Foundation reflects their shared commitment to giving back, investing in the communities and causes that matter most to them, such as health, sustainability, education and empowerment, and civics and service. (Fun fact: The Foundation’s name represents family initials and does not have any ties to the game of the same name!)

 

CHESS’s daily operations, grantmaking, and partnership development are led by Caroline Olmstead Wallach. Caroline is known for active engagement and authentic involvement in organizations CHESS supports, and beyond. Her expertise and volunteerism with funded organizations includes developing alumni networking pathways, conducting mock interviews with students, serving on search committees for leadership roles, lending communications expertise, and serving on boards. She is on the Executive Committee of Trinity College's Alumni Board of Fellows, and is a member of the North Yarmouth Academy Alumni Association, the Communications Committee of Harlem Academy’s Board of Trustees, and the Rye Women’s Interfaith Committee. She has previously served on the boards of the Jay Heritage Center and Milton Elementary School in Rye, NY. In 2015, she was honored with a Park and Trail Hero Volunteer Service Award by New York State. She graduated with a B.A. in History from Trinity College, Hartford, and an M.S. in Communications Management from Simmons University, and has a professional background in development and communications.