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Mark Wattley

Mark Wattley is a human resources executive and lawyer who, as of October 2026, serves as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer of The Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation headquartered in New York City. It was chartered by New York State legislation in 1913 with funding from Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefeller, with the mission “to promote the well-being of mankind throughout the world.” In its early years it funded global public health, medical education, and yellow fever vaccine research; in the mid-20th century it supported agricultural programs that came to be known as the “Green Revolution”; and in recent years it has focused its work on energy, health, food, and climate.Open the full entry.

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Key facts

Early Years: Education and Legal Practice

Wattley earned a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Notre Dame Law School in 1991.⁠[1][2]

Early in his career, he worked as a lawyer in private practice and served as a senior attorney at the U.S. Department of Education and the Chicago Board of Education, with a background as a labor lawyer.⁠[1][2]

Early Years: Nearly Two Decades at Walgreens

Wattley then spent nearly 20 years at Walgreens and Walgreens Boots Alliance, holding legal and senior human resources roles, including Vice President of HR Mergers & Acquisitions, and created and led several new human resources organizations and programs within the Walgreens companies.⁠[1][3]

December 2019Becomes Chief People Officer of Cooler Screens

In December 2019, Notre Dame Law School’s alumni news reported that Wattley had joined Cooler Screens, Inc. in Chicago as Chief People Officer, where he helped shape the company’s culture and implement talent management practices. At the time he was also a member of the Notre Dame Law Association board of directors.⁠[2][2][1][2]

August 8, 2024Becomes Chief People Officer of the Rockefeller Foundation

On August 8, 2024, The Rockefeller Foundation announced the appointment of Wattley as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, responsible for developing and implementing the foundation’s people vision and strategy, leading its People team, and overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development programs.⁠[1][1][1]

Natalye Paquin, then the foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, said Wattley had a strong record of recruiting and retaining talent and strengthening organizational culture. Wattley said he had always been committed to fully aligning the employee experience and talent strategy with business goals and priorities.⁠[1][1][1]

In October of that year, Notre Dame Law School’s alumni news also reported the appointment. As of October 2026, the foundation’s leadership list still names Wattley as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer.⁠[4][4][5]

Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts

The Rockefeller Foundation: Official website: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/ (opens in a new window).⁠[3]

Sources

  1. Rockefeller Foundation Announces New Chief People Officer (opens in a new window)
  2. Mark A. Wattley ’91 J.D. (opens in a new window)
  3. Mark Wattley (opens in a new window)
  4. Mark Wattley, ‘91 J.D. (opens in a new window)
  5. Leadership (opens in a new window)