Welcoming Mala Thao, Vice President of Philanthropy

Mala Thao, Vice President of Philanthropy

We are delighted to welcome Mala Thao to the St. Croix Valley Foundation as our new Vice President of Philanthropy.

A trusted leader, strategist, and relationship-builder, Mala brings 25 years of experience in community-based philanthropy, including 10 years with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to help people give with greater intention—centering equity, lived experience, and the unique strengths each community brings to the table.

At the heart of Mala’s work is a simple but powerful belief: community is strongest when people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Mala was drawn to the St. Croix Valley Foundation because of the opportunity to work deeply in and alongside a region where place matters, relationships matter, and trust is built over time. For her, meaningful impact doesn’t come from proximity alone, but from purpose—showing up, listening well, and honoring what communities already know about themselves.

In her role as Vice President of Philanthropy, Mala leads the Foundation’s philanthropic services, working closely with donors, families, professional advisors, and nonprofit partners to align generosity with values, strengthen legacy and planned giving, and support long-term community impact across the Valley.

Known for her warmth, curiosity, and sense of joy, Mala brings her whole self to this work. A proud foodie, she believes some of the best conversations—and connections—happen around a shared meal.

As she puts it, “I’m excited to get out into the community, listen, learn, and build real relationships across the Valley. And honestly—if there’s good, unique food involved, I’m always happy to meet there.”

We’re thrilled to have Mala on the team and look forward to the relationships, learning, and community impact ahead.