Daniel R. Porterfield Appointed as New CEO of Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has officially announced the appointment of Daniel R. Porterfield as its new CEO, effective July 2026. This prestigious position follows his impactful tenure as the president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, an organization noted for its leadership and dedication to community development.

Porterfield will succeed Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, who is set to retire in June after eight years of exemplary leadership. The transition comes at a critical juncture for the Foundation, which has recently celebrated 25 years of providing vital educational opportunities to exceptionally talented students in need of financial support.

Cooke Foundation Board Chair, Howard B. Soloway, expressed his confidence in Porterfield’s vision and capability to elevate the Foundation’s mission, stating, “Dan is a visionary leader who combines a commitment to educational opportunity with the ability to drive strategic and innovative impact.” He emphasized the importance of this leadership change, indicating that Porterfield is the ideal individual to spearhead the Foundation’s next phase and push forward its mission of supporting high-achieving students across the nation.

In his new role, Porterfield plans to build upon the Foundation’s legacy of granting substantial financial aid and fostering educational advancement. Since its inception, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has granted over $332 million in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students from middle school through graduate school, along with providing comprehensive academic advising and career counseling services. Additionally, the Foundation has made $144 million in grants to organizations that promote access to education for talented students from low-income backgrounds.

Porterfield himself has a proven track record in educational leadership, having significantly expanded the Aspen Institute's reach and influence during his presidency. Under his guidance, the Institute implemented a new strategic plan that raised over $300 million towards a historic $450 million campaign, while also dramatically increasing its programmatic work and engendering new initiatives like the Center for Rising Generations.

Margot Pritzker, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Aspen Institute, praised Porterfield’s contribution to the organization, stating, “Dan's leadership has been defined by his belief in the power of dialogue and ideas to shape a better world, and his commitment to expanding opportunity through education.” Such accolades underscore the potential impact Porterfield might have at the Cooke Foundation.

Previously, Porterfield served as president of Franklin & Marshall College, where he implemented strategies that enhanced academic excellence and accessibility for underrepresented students. His involvement with Georgetown University as senior vice president for strategic development further solidified his reputation for advocating educational access and creating partnerships designed to elevate talented students from underserved communities.

Reflecting on his future role, Porterfield stated, “The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has long stood for possibility, opening doors, nurturing talent, and affirming that brilliance exists in every community.” His commitment to the mission of the Foundation is evident as he prepares to lead efforts aimed at investing in the potential of thousands of students and enhancing the quality of American education overall.

Daniel R. Porterfield's appointing marks a momentous occasion for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as it embarks on another quarter-century of impactful service. With his extensive background and dedication to educational reform, Porterfield aims to further the Foundation’s mission of advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who face financial barriers.

For additional information about the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, please visit www.jkcf.org.