Timothy Geithner and Mark Bradford Join Ford Foundation's Board of Trustees
On November 20, 2025, the Ford Foundation made headlines with the announcement of its new board appointments, featuring Timothy F. Geithner, former Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, and acclaimed contemporary artist Mark Bradford. This strategic move emphasizes the foundation's commitment to addressing critical issues related to social justice and equity.
Timothy Geithner, renowned for his extensive knowledge in economics and finance, currently holds the position of Chairman at Warburg Pincus. His previous role as the 75th Secretary of the Treasury from 2009 to 2013 marked a significant period in his career where he managed the financial recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. Additionally, Geithner served as President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York earlier. His academic engagement includes a position as Chair of the Program on Financial Stability at Yale University, where he shares insights on navigating economic complexities. Geithner commented, "The Ford Foundation is a great institution, with an admirable record advancing the founding ideals and aspirations of the United States. It's a privilege for me to join the Board of Trustees, and to help support the Foundation's work as it continues to expand the frontiers of knowledge and of opportunity and to defend democracy and the rule of law."
Conversely, Mark Bradford brings a compelling artistic perspective to the board. Celebrated for his multimedia abstract paintings, Bradford utilizes materials and themes reflecting the socio-economic landscape of urban areas, especially issues surrounding race, class, and gender. His significant accolades include the prestigious National Medal of Arts awarded by the U.S. government, recognizing his contributions to the arts and his commitment to social relevance in his works. Bradford expressed his dedication, saying, "It is an honor to join the Ford Foundation's board and its dynamic group of leaders. I look forward to working with an organization that continues to demonstrate what thoughtful, long-term investment in the public good can make possible."
The upcoming term of these new trustees will be pivotal as the foundation aims to tackle pressing global challenges while promoting human rights and social equity. With an endowment of $16 billion, the Ford Foundation is uniquely positioned to support transformative projects worldwide, creating sustainable pathways for communities that frequently face systemic barriers.
Francisco G. Cigarroa, Chair of the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in the new appointments, stating, "We deeply value the unique perspectives Timothy and Mark will bring to the Ford Foundation and our work. Their passion, knowledge, and insights will enhance our mission in every way." Heather Gerken, the foundation's president, added, "Timothy and Mark will each bring extensive expertise, distinct points of view, and deep wisdom to our organization as we begin to write the foundation's next chapter."
The Ford Foundation seeks to empower individuals and organizations that strive for a just and equitable society. With Geithner's economic acumen and Bradford's artistic vision, the foundation is poised to leverage their extensive backgrounds as it embarks on its next initiatives focused on social good, accountability, and sustaining democracy across various sectors. Their contributions as trustees reflect a broader mission to not only promote arts and culture but also to engage in decisive dialogues about pressing societal issues facing marginalized populations around the globe.
As a significant pillar in the nonprofit sector, the Ford Foundation continues to lead the way in utilizing its resources effectively to tackle inequality and promote positive, lasting change. The board of trustees, elected for six-year terms, will guide the foundation's policies on grant-making, geographic focus, and governance standards, ensuring a collaborative approach to philanthropy that resonates with the dynamics of contemporary global challenges.
Timothy Geithner, renowned for his extensive knowledge in economics and finance, currently holds the position of Chairman at Warburg Pincus. His previous role as the 75th Secretary of the Treasury from 2009 to 2013 marked a significant period in his career where he managed the financial recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. Additionally, Geithner served as President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York earlier. His academic engagement includes a position as Chair of the Program on Financial Stability at Yale University, where he shares insights on navigating economic complexities. Geithner commented, "The Ford Foundation is a great institution, with an admirable record advancing the founding ideals and aspirations of the United States. It's a privilege for me to join the Board of Trustees, and to help support the Foundation's work as it continues to expand the frontiers of knowledge and of opportunity and to defend democracy and the rule of law."
Conversely, Mark Bradford brings a compelling artistic perspective to the board. Celebrated for his multimedia abstract paintings, Bradford utilizes materials and themes reflecting the socio-economic landscape of urban areas, especially issues surrounding race, class, and gender. His significant accolades include the prestigious National Medal of Arts awarded by the U.S. government, recognizing his contributions to the arts and his commitment to social relevance in his works. Bradford expressed his dedication, saying, "It is an honor to join the Ford Foundation's board and its dynamic group of leaders. I look forward to working with an organization that continues to demonstrate what thoughtful, long-term investment in the public good can make possible."
The upcoming term of these new trustees will be pivotal as the foundation aims to tackle pressing global challenges while promoting human rights and social equity. With an endowment of $16 billion, the Ford Foundation is uniquely positioned to support transformative projects worldwide, creating sustainable pathways for communities that frequently face systemic barriers.
Francisco G. Cigarroa, Chair of the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in the new appointments, stating, "We deeply value the unique perspectives Timothy and Mark will bring to the Ford Foundation and our work. Their passion, knowledge, and insights will enhance our mission in every way." Heather Gerken, the foundation's president, added, "Timothy and Mark will each bring extensive expertise, distinct points of view, and deep wisdom to our organization as we begin to write the foundation's next chapter."
The Ford Foundation seeks to empower individuals and organizations that strive for a just and equitable society. With Geithner's economic acumen and Bradford's artistic vision, the foundation is poised to leverage their extensive backgrounds as it embarks on its next initiatives focused on social good, accountability, and sustaining democracy across various sectors. Their contributions as trustees reflect a broader mission to not only promote arts and culture but also to engage in decisive dialogues about pressing societal issues facing marginalized populations around the globe.
As a significant pillar in the nonprofit sector, the Ford Foundation continues to lead the way in utilizing its resources effectively to tackle inequality and promote positive, lasting change. The board of trustees, elected for six-year terms, will guide the foundation's policies on grant-making, geographic focus, and governance standards, ensuring a collaborative approach to philanthropy that resonates with the dynamics of contemporary global challenges.
Topics People & Culture）
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