MEET THE TEAM
Photo: Bettmann
Ambassador (ret.)
Jeff Bleich
— Board ChairmanJeff Bleich is the Executor of Willie Mays’ Estate and was a close friend of Willie’s for over two decades. He is the General Counsel of Anthropic, a Frontier AI Lab in San Francisco.
Jeff previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Australia from 2009 to 2013, Special Counsel to President Obama in the White House (2009), President of the State Bar of California (2008-2009), Chair of the California State University Board of Trustees (2007-2008), and Chair of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, as well as other roles in law, diplomacy, technology, and academia.
In private practice, Jeff was a partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson for 19 years, and both a partner and CEO of Dentons Diplomatic Solutions. His practice focused on complex bet-the-company technology litigations, international negotiations, and pro bono civil and human rights disputes. Jeff has also served as a federal court appointed mediator and special master for multi-district litigation in numerous high-stake proceedings. He was the President of the S.F. Bar Association, Chair of Legal Services for Children, and led the Food Bank’s annual “Food from the Bar” to assist children and families in food-insecure homes. Jeff has been regularly listed as one of the top 500 lawyers in the United States, and honored for his pro bono work on behalf of children, veterans, and people from disadvantaged communities.
Jeff’s public service includes serving in four Presidential Administrations, including his current appointment to the National Security Education Board, and previously as a senior advisor to the Director of National Intelligence. Jeff also led the bi-partsian White House Commission on Youth Violence in the Clinton Administration, and as a member of the California Supreme Court’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Foster Care..
Jeff received his law degree from U.C. Berkeley School of Law where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the California Law Review. He clerked for Chief Justice William Rehnquist on the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Abner Mikva at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and Judge Howard Holtzmann in the Hague. He also holds degrees from Amherst College (B.A.), Harvard University (M.P.P.), several honorary doctorates, and was a visiting scholar at Stanford University. His recognitions include the Burton Legend in the Law, the Cobb Medal for Diplomatic Service, the Haas Prize for Public Service, and the Distinguished Service Medal from the Secretary of the Navy.. Flinders University in Australia established the Jeff Bleich Centre on Democracy and Disruptive Technologies in his honor. In 2003, the City of San Francisco designated January 8, Elvis Presley’s birthday “Jeff Bleich Day” in the City.
Jeff’s proudest moments (besides his kids) was getting a batting lesson from Willie and then hitting three home runs for the Embassy in league play, and nominating Willie for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Jeff Idelson
— Executive Director / Board MemberJeff Idelson is the Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors of the Say Hey Foundation. He joined the organization in November 2025, bringing with him four decades of leadership in baseball, nonprofit stewardship, and sports philanthropy.
Jeff spent 26 years at the world-renowned National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, rising to become the institution’s sixth president in 2008. During his 12 years at the helm, he strengthened the Hall of Fame’s organizational and financial foundation, building a $30 million endowment, overseeing a staff of nearly 100, and presiding over the Induction of 53 baseball legends. He began his tenure with the Museum in Cooperstown, NY in 1994 as Director of Public Relations and Promotions and was promoted to Vice President of Communications and Education in 1999.
Following his retirement from the Hall of Fame, Jeff relocated to San Francisco and co-founded two impactful nonprofit organizations: Grassroots Baseball supports historically underserved communities through the power of sport, while See Her Be Her champions visibility, equity, and opportunity for girls and women in sports worldwide—celebrating achievement, amplifying voices, and inspiring lasting change.
He began his professional baseball career in 1986 as an intern with the Boston Red Sox, five days after graduating from Connecticut College. He later joined the New York Yankees, where he led media relations and publicity for five seasons before ultimately arriving in Cooperstown.
With a lifelong love of the game, the Massachusetts native cut his teeth as a leadoff hitter and center fielder in Newton Central Little League - retiring at age 12 - and later experienced baseball as a vendor at Fenway Park during his high school and college days.
Rene Anderson
— Board Member Emerita / HistorianAs Executive Assistant and the longest-serving Board Member, Rene Anderson had the rare privilege of working side-by-side with Willie Mays for over 24 years. During those decades of close collaboration, she became one of his most trusted professional partners, supporting his public appearances, philanthropic initiatives, business relationships, and the many engagements that shaped his enduring impact.
Rene attended and participated with Willie in countless San Francisco Giants functions, both at home and on the road. Their shared experiences included appearances at ballparks across the country, spring training trips, and participation in many of the Giants’ most meaningful traditions. They attended most home games, where they welcomed dignitaries, honored baseball alumni, greeted friends and fans, and spent time with countless young people—many of whom were attending their very first Major League Baseball game. Together, they participated in the Play Ball Luncheon, Fan Appreciation Day, Opening Day ceremonies, and celebrations honoring the Giants’ World Series championships. Rene’s presence ensured that each event reflected Willie’s warmth, humility, and commitment to community.
She was present for many of the defining moments of Willie’s later life—quite literally “in the room where it happened.” Whether at autograph shows, MLB events, community gatherings, or even the White House, she ensured that every detail reflected the excellence and dignity that defined Willie’s character. Her role extended far beyond logistics; she understood the importance of protecting his time, preserving his reputation, and aligning his commitments with the causes closest to his heart.
Through years of close partnership, Rene gained a deeply personal understanding of Willie’s values—his belief in perseverance, his devotion to youth, his humility despite unparalleled achievement, and his desire to give back. She witnessed firsthand his generosity with fans, his quiet mentorship of young players, and his unwavering dedication to making a difference.
As the Say Hey Foundation’s historian, Rene illuminates his story with authenticity, depth, and warmth. She preserves not only the milestones of his Hall of Fame career but also the human moments behind the legend—the humor, discipline, integrity, and compassion that defined him.
Today, Rene’s heartfelt wish is to carry on Willie Mays’ legacy with the same care and dedication she demonstrated throughout her more than 24 years at his side. She remains deeply committed to safeguarding his story, advancing the mission of the Say Hey Foundation, and ensuring that his name continues to inspire excellence, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.
Jack F. Bair
— Board MemberJack Bair has served in a key leadership capacity for the San Francisco Giants for more than thirty years. He has played a primary role in many of the most important strategic initiatives undertaken by the team and its affiliates. Bair led the successful effort to develop Oracle Park, one of the most celebrated ballparks in Major League Baseball. Bair coordinated the effort to select the waterfront site for the ballpark and contributed significantly to the ballpark’s architectural design. Bair was the principal liaison and spokesperson for the ballpark campaign and negotiated the business transaction with the City.
Bair also led the effort to develop Mission Rock, a 28-acre mixed-use project just south of the ballpark featuring parks, retail, parking, residential and commercial office, including the world headquarters of VISA. The completed first phase of Mission Rock was named the “Real Estate Deal of the Year” by the San Francisco Business Times. Bair also headed-up the effort to develop the team’s international headquarters and player development facility in the Dominican Republic.
In addition to his development responsibilities, Bair served as the Chief Legal Officer for nearly 33 years before becoming the Chief Development Officer. He advised the team on the full range of legal issues, including both its business and baseball operations. Bair continues to handle government relations. The San Francisco Business Times & Silicon Valley Business Times honored Bair for his accomplishments in the legal community by awarding him its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bair has been very active in the community, serving in a leadership position with the Giants Community Fund and many other charitable and civic organizations, including the UC Davis Foundation, the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, The Olympic Club, the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee, the Bayview Hunter’s Point YMCA, San Francisco Planning & Urban Research Association (“SPUR”) and the Say Hey Foundation. Bair teaches Sports Law at Stanford Law School. He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis where he served as President of the Associated Students. Bair is also a graduate of Yale Law School.
Malcolm
Heinicke
— Board MemberMalcolm A. Heinicke is a member of the Board of Directors of the Say Hey Foundation. He joined the organization in 2007, and he has served continuously since that time. He graduated from Harvard College in 1993 and from Stanford Law School in 1997.
Malcolm is a lawyer and partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson, practicing there since 1998 when he began his legal career following a clerkship with Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker (now retired) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Malcolm served a six-year term as the firm’s Co-Managing Partner, and under his leadership, MTO was ranked No. 1 on The American Lawyer’s A-List six times and was named the 2025 Best Law Firm of the Year by The American Lawyer.
Aside from his work as an attorney, Malcolm has experience serving his community. Malcolm was appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom and later Mayor Edwin Lee to serve on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, a position he held for 12 years. Malcolm eventually served as Chair of the SFMTA Board. Before that, Malcolm was appointed by Mayor Willie Brown as the President of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. Malcolm was also the 105th President of the San Francisco Bar Association.
Malcolm had the pleasure and honor of serving as personal counsel to Willie Mays during the last two decades of Willie’s life. Willie and Malcolm became close friends and spent much time together, including time with Malcolm’s children (Charlotte, Alex and Greta, who all adored Willie) at ball games and birthday gatherings.
Along with fellow Board Members Amb. Jeff Bleich and Dr. Phil Saddler, Malcolm gave one the eulogies at Willie’s celebration of life in 2024. A video of these three presentations can be found here: https://www.mlb.com/giants/video/heinicke-bleich-and-saddler-honor-willie-mays. Malcolm also played a key role in the decision by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to dedicate San Francisco Cable Car No. 24 to Willie, and he contributed anecdotes and information to John Shea’s wonderful book, “24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid.”
One of the connections that Willie and Malcolm enjoyed is that Malcolm is also a baseball player. Malcolm still plays baseball in an adult league, and he enjoyed coaching his children in baseball and softball when they were younger. Malcolm’s son wears the number 24 for his college baseball club team in honor of Willie.
Dr. Phillip H. Saddler
— Board MemberDr. Phillip H. Saddler serves as a Board Member of the Say Hey Foundation and is the proud godson of Willie Mays. Guided by a lifelong connection to Willie’s example of excellence, integrity, and generosity, Phil is deeply committed to carrying forward his godfather’s legacy of mentorship and opportunity.
In addition to his work with the Foundation, Phil actively partners with the San Francisco Giants Community Fund through the Willie Mays Scholars program, serving as a mentor to high school and college students. In this role, he provides guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight—helping young scholars navigate academic challenges, career aspirations, and personal growth. His mentorship reflects Willie’s enduring belief in empowering the next generation through education and access.
As the dedicated owner and dentist at Phillip H Saddler, DDS & ASSOC., Phil’s mission has been to provide comprehensive dental care with a focus on wellness and patient education. His practice thrives on a philosophy of offering advanced general dentistry services guided by over three decades of hands-on experience.
Phil’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to Dental education, sharing insights through lectures and advisory roles that help shape the future of dental practices. The use of Dental AI, innovative technologies, and CAD/CAM in dentistry underscores his practice’s approach to modern treatment methods, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional patient care.
Phil’s leadership in both philanthropy and dentistry reflects a life dedicated to service—honoring the legacy of Willie Mays while building his own legacy of excellence, mentorship, and community impact.
Kim McDade
— Operations & Program DirectorKim McDade serves as Operations & Program Director for the Willie Mays Say Hey Foundation, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in administration, operations, and program development, along with a deep appreciation for community, relationships, and the game of baseball.
Before joining the Foundation, Kim spent over three decades at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, where she held progressively senior roles, including Director of Administration and Director of the MTO Foundation and Alumni Network Development, before retiring from the firm in 2023. Known as a trusted partner to leadership and colleagues alike, she built strong operational systems, supported complex initiatives, and fostered meaningful connections across teams, alumni, and philanthropic partners.
Kim’s love of baseball began in childhood, growing up watching the Baltimore Orioles, where the game became a source of joy, connection, and lifelong memories. Through her many years at Munger, Tolles & Olson, Kim also had the privilege of knowing Willie Mays for more than 20 years, an experience that made a lasting impression and deepened her appreciation for his character, generosity, and enduring impact beyond the field.
In her current role, Kim oversees the Foundation’s operations and programs with care and intention, working closely with board members, partners, and stakeholders to ensure each initiative reflects the integrity, joy, and excellence that defined Willie Mays both on and off the field. She is honored to help advance a mission that uses baseball as a powerful force for inspiration, opportunity, and community.
“When I played ball, I tried to make sure everybody enjoyed what I was doing. I made the clubhouse guy fit me a cap that when I ran, the wind gets up in the bottom, and it flies right off. People love that kind of stuff.”
— Willie Mays