#USA #New York #Ford Foundation #Heather Gerken #Darren Walker

Heather Gerken Set to Lead the Ford Foundation

On July 1, 2025, a significant change was announced at the Ford Foundation with the appointment of Heather Gerken as its 11th president. Currently the dean of Yale Law School, Gerken's selection follows a comprehensive national and international search initiated after outgoing president Darren Walker announced his planned departure. Gerken will officially take over in November 2025, succeeding Walker, who has been at the helm of the Foundation for more than a decade.

Leadership Experience and Vision

Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, chair of the board of trustees at the Ford Foundation, expressed confidence in Gerken's capabilities, indicating her extensive experience in both the philanthropic and legal arenas would enhance the Foundation's operations and grant-making processes. Cigarroa emphasized that Gerken embodies the values of democracy and justice, aligning perfectly with the Ford Foundation's mission of fostering human achievement for every individual.

Gerken's remarkable career includes not only her deanship at Yale but also her advocacy for inclusivity within the legal profession. While leading Yale Law School, she implemented significant changes, such as introducing full-tuition scholarships for low-income students and greatly increasing veteran student enrollment. Her leadership also saw initiatives aimed at addressing the economic barriers faced by underrepresented individuals pursuing legal education.

Pioneering Justice and Equality

Paula Moreno, a member of the search committee that recommended Gerken, highlighted her exceptional intellect and commitment to global justice. Gerken is notably the second woman to lead the Ford Foundation—an institution committed to reimagining approaches to equality and hope.

“You have the right person at the right time,” said Moreno, who anticipates that Gerken's leadership will catalyze bold innovations and inspire systemic change with urgency and vision.

Prior to her tenure at Yale, Gerken was a professor at Harvard Law School and contributed to legal advocacy, notably in voting rights and housing desegregation cases. Her scholarly work reflects her commitment to enhancing democracy, illustrated by her publications, including The Democracy Index: Why Our Election System is Failing and How to Fix It.

Legacy and Future Goals

Expressing her excitement upon receiving the appointment, Gerken stated, “It is a profound honor to join the Ford Foundation and build upon the legacy of those who came before me.” She emphasized her gratitude and eagerness to collaborate with Ford staff and the board of trustees to protect democratic values and further the Foundation’s mission toward a just, equitable world.

Gerken's appointment comes after Darren Walker's impactful leadership, where he positioned the Foundation to prioritize social justice and address inequality, thereby reshaping its grant-making approach. Walker praised Gerken as a leader whose extensive experience in philanthropy and law will propel the Foundation's mission forward.

Conclusion

As the Ford Foundation prepares for this significant leadership transition, the overarching goal remains clear: addressing global inequality and fostering democratic values through innovative solutions. Heather Gerken’s incoming presidency promises a new chapter, one defined by a commitment to justice, inclusivity, and transformative change across the globe.

The Ford Foundation, established nearly 90 years ago, has dedicated itself to promoting justice and equality worldwide, and with Gerken at the helm, this commitment continues to gain momentum as the foundation seeks to make meaningful impacts in social justice efforts across the globe.