In Memoriam: The RBF Honors Anne Bartley (1944–2025)

Anne Bartley, former trustee of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF), passed away on August 30, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

From 2007 to 2017, Anne served as an RBF trustee with a signature enthusiasm, deep sense of service, and hands-on approach. She brought to the RBF extensive experience in both government service and nonprofit leadership, as well as a passionate commitment to strengthening American democracy and addressing the root issues of climate change. Anne believed in building bridges and coalitions to effect meaningful policy change. That collaborative spirit, along with her kindness, generosity, and sense of adventure, infused all her interactions across the RBF.

“Anne was an exceptionally engaged member of the board. She asked insightful questions and shared enormously helpful wisdom and guidance—all with a lively sense of humor that meant she was always fun to be with,” said Stephen Heintz, president and CEO of the RBF.

Anne, the daughter of former First Lady of Arkansas Jeannette Edris Rockefeller and stepdaughter of former Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, developed an interest in public service during her formative years. She helped establish the Arkansas Department of Natural and Cultural Heritage, serving as its first director and becoming the first woman to serve in an Arkansas governor’s cabinet. Later appointed by then-Governor Bill Clinton to head the Arkansas Washington Office, she continued her federal service on the National Neighborhood Commission under President Jimmy Carter and on the staff of First Lady Hillary Clinton, where her portfolio included gender equality, healthcare, and arts and humanities.

Anne also served on the boards of the Rockefeller Family Fund, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, America Votes, and the NRDC Action Fund. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Larry McNeill, her brother Bruce Bartley, her five stepchildren, and six grandchildren.