Marvin D. Carr-Ligons

Marvin D. Carr-Ligons is a philanthropic leader focused on strengthening community resilience and advancing equitable systems at scale. As the Head of Community Resilience, he oversees Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s strategies to help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from disruptions—whether driven by natural disasters, economic shocks, or long-term systemic challenges. His portfolio centers on building cross-sector partnerships that enhance community capacity, accelerate local innovation, and improve the nation’s resilience infrastructure.

Prior to this role, Dr. Carr-Ligons served as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Giving at Walmart, Inc. and the Walmart Foundation, where he led initiatives at the intersection of talent development, community partnership, and criminal justice reform.

Before joining Walmart, he served as a Policy Advisor for STEM Education & Innovation in the Obama White House, championing efforts to expand access to high-quality STEM education and career pathways. His broader federal service includes advancing policy and funding strategies in education research, museum and library services, community development, workforce development, and belonging initiatives.

Dr. Carr-Ligons holds a Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Morgan State University and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His academic work focused on creating math education software programs that are both cognitively rigorous and culturally relevant.

A Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar, Dr. Carr-Ligons is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a Fellow of The Funders Network’s PLACES for Philanthropy Fellowship, and the Council on Foundations’ 2023 Corporate Philanthropist of the Year.

Across sectors, Dr. Carr Ligons’ leadership reflects a commitment to equity, resilience, and the design of systems that help communities thrive in a rapidly changing world.