Former Aspen Institute CEO Daniel R. Porterfield to Lead Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

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

In an exciting advancement for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Daniel R. Porterfield has been named as the new CEO, effective July 2026. This decision follows the current Executive Director, Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, who will retire in June 2026 after dedicating eight years to the foundation's mission.

Porterfield, currently serving as the president and CEO of the Aspen Institute—a prominent international leadership organization—brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and civil society advocacy. His appointment comes at a crucial moment, as the Cooke Foundation recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of supporting students with significant financial needs who demonstrate exceptional potential.

Howard B. Soloway, Chair of the Cooke Foundation Board, praised Porterfield as a visionary leader with a unique ability to drive meaningful change in education. He expressed confidence that Porterfield’s leadership will propel the foundation into its next chapter, enhancing its efforts in advancing educational opportunities nationwide.

Under Porterfield’s guidance, the Aspen Institute expanded its influence and fundraising capabilities significantly, approving a major strategic plan and raising over $300 million toward a $450 million endowment campaign. This growth reflects his commitment to enhancing educational pathways and civic engagement.

The Cooke Foundation has made a substantial impact since its inception, awarding over $332 million in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students. This support extends beyond financial assistance; it includes career counseling, educational advising, and complementary programs designed to foster student success. The foundation has also allocated $144 million in grants to organizations dedicated to broadening access to education for underrepresented students.

Porterfield expressed his belief in the foundation's mission, stating, “The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation stands for opportunity and the nurturing of talent in every community. I am honored to lead this organization as it continues to support high-achieving students and seeks to improve educational quality and accessibility across the United States.”

Previously, Porterfield served as president of Franklin & Marshall College, where he was instrumental in enhancing academic standards and increasing diversity within the student body. He has a notable history of fostering partnerships aimed at supporting students from low-income backgrounds, further feeling aligned with the Cooke Foundation's ethos.

Moreover, his tenure at Georgetown University, where he worked as the Senior Vice President for Strategic Development, saw him establish multiple strategic partnerships aimed at increasing higher education access.

Porterfield has also garnered accolades for his commitment to educational equity, including being named a White House Champion of Change for College Opportunity in 2016. He is an active participant in various educational organizations, having recently assumed the role of incoming Chair of the National Board of Directors for Teach For America.

His published work, which includes the book, “Mindset Matters: The Power of College to Activate Lifelong Growth,” emphasizes the transformative role of education in fostering growth mindsets among students. This reflects his long-standing commitment to the ideals of educational opportunity—a vision that tightly aligns with the goals of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

As Porterfield prepares to transition into his new role, the Cooke Foundation is set not only to maintain its legacy but also to embark on a renewed journey of expanding its impact in the educational landscape over the next 25 years. With leaders like Porterfield at the helm, the foundation is poised to continue its vital work in supporting promising students across the nation.