Microsoft executive to run Gates Foundation

SEATTLE — Microsoft executive Jeff Raikes will be the next CEO of the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation.

The world’s largest charitable foundation has been looking for a new leader since CEO Patty Stonesifer announced in February that she would be stepping down.

Raikes has been the top executive in Microsoft’s business software division, responsible for such things as the Office software suite, Microsoft’s server software and applications that help businesses track customers and business processes.

In the past decade, the Gates Foundation has made more than $16 billion in grants, mostly in global health, global development and U.S. education.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Darryl Dyck file photo Mohammed Asif, an Indian national, conspired with others to bill Medicare for COVID-19 and other respiratory tests that hadn’t been ordered or performed, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release.
Man sentenced to 2 years in prison for $1 million health care fraud scheme

Mohammed Asif, 35, owned an Everett-based testing laboratory and billed Medicare for COVID-19 tests that patients never received.

Snohomish County Fire District No. 4 and Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue responded to a two-vehicle head-on collision on U.S. 2 on Feb. 21, 2024, in Snohomish. (Snohomish County Fire District #4)
Family of Monroe woman killed in U.S. 2 crash sues WSDOT for $50 million

The wrongful death lawsuit filed in Snohomish County Superior Court on Nov. 24 alleges the agency’s negligence led to Tu Lam’s death.

Judy Tuohy, the executive director of the Schack Art Center, in 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Director of Everett’s Schack Art Center announces retirement

Judy Tuohy, also a city council member, will step down from the executive director role next year after 32 years in the position.

Human trafficking probe nets arrest of Calif. man, rescue of 17-year-old girl

The investigation by multiple agencies culminated with the arrest of a California man in Snohomish County.

A Flock Safety camera on the corner of 64th Avenue West and 196th Street Southwest on Oct. 28, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett seeks SnoCo judgment that Flock footage is not public record

The filing comes after a Skagit County judge ruled Flock footage is subject to records requests. That ruling is under appeal.

Information panels on display as a part of the national exhibit being showcased at Edmonds College on Nov. 19, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds College hosts new climate change and community resilience exhibit

Through Jan. 21, visit the school library in Lynnwood to learn about how climate change is affecting weather patterns and landscapes and how communities are adapting.

Lynnwood City Council members gather for a meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood raises property, utility taxes amid budget shortfall

The council approved a 24% property tax increase, lower than the 53% it was allowed to enact without voter approval.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood hygiene center requires community support to remain open

The Jean Kim Foundation needs to raise $500,000 by the end of the year. The center provides showers to people experiencing homelessness.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Vending machines offer hope in Snohomish County in time for the holidays.

Mariners’ radio announcer Rick Rizzs will help launch a Light The World Giving Machine Tuesday in Lynnwood. A second will be available in Arlington on Dec. 13.

UW student from Mukilteo receives Rhodes Scholarship

Shubham Bansal, who grew up in Mukilteo, is the first UW student to receive the prestigous scholarship since 2012.

Roger Sharp looks over memorabilia from the USS Belknap in his home in Marysville on Nov. 14, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
‘A gigantic inferno’: 50 years later, Marysville vet recalls warship collision

The USS Belknap ran into the USS John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1975. The ensuing events were unforgettable.

Kelsey Olson, the owner of the Rustic Cork Wine Bar, is introduced by Port of Everett Executive Director Lisa Lefebar on Dec. 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rustic Cork Wine Bar opens its doors at the Port of Everett

It’s the first of five new restaurants opening on the waterfront, which is becoming a hotspot for diners.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.