Brian Gaines

Brian Gaines is a dynamic business and social entrepreneur, certified executive and leadership coach with over 25 years of experience driving growth and innovation across multiple sectors. Since 2012, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Learning Undefeated, an award-winning national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity and workforce development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Brian has devoted most of his professional career to creating and leading entrepreneurial endeavors that bridge the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. His previous roles include Executive Director of the National Football League’s Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation and leadership positions with influential social change organizations, such as Peer Forward (formerly College Summit) and KaBOOM!, where he spearheaded growth strategy, fundraising, and national expansion efforts.

Previously, he was the founding Executive Director of the Joshua Venture Philanthropies, a venture philanthropy fund that launched and supported a cadre of emerging nonprofit leaders across the country. His business career began in his early 20s when he co-founded and led Ben & Jerry’s San Francisco and later served as the Western Regional Business Manager for Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. Brian has served on numerous community and national nonprofit Board of Directors and as the President of the San Francisco Human Services Commission.