Nicholas Turner Takes on Leadership Role at Ford Foundation to Drive Global Impact
The Ford Foundation recently announced the appointment of Nicholas Turner as its new executive vice president for programs, effective May. This significant addition to Ford's leadership team reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to effectiveness and social impact, reinforcing its mission to address inequalities worldwide. Turner brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the president of the Vera Institute of Justice since 2013, where he initiated impactful transformations focusing on racial justice and policy reform.
Turner expressed his honor in joining such a historic organization, stating, "It is an honor to join the Ford Foundation, a storied organization that has had an indelible impact on communities worldwide." He emphasized his eagerness to collaborate with global colleagues to refine and enhance Ford's strategies for programmatic impact.
Heather Gerken, president of the Ford Foundation, welcomed Turner, praising him for his visionary leadership and operational capability. "Nick has an exceptional combination of visionary leadership and operational experience to translate high-level strategy into meaningful impact," she remarked, highlighting the expectations placed on Turner.
Before his noteworthy tenure at the Vera Institute, Turner had significant roles including managing director at The Rockefeller Foundation, where he worked on key initiatives aimed at fostering racial and socioeconomic justice. His legal career began in New York at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, where he practiced litigation. He also served as a judicial clerk for Honorable Jack B. Weinstein, a judge in Brooklyn, contributing to his extensive understanding of legal and social issues.
A strong advocate for social justice, Turner’s community involvement includes work with disconnected young individuals at Sasha Bruce Youthwork in Washington, DC. His academic qualifications are equally impressive; he holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, which laid the groundwork for his future leadership roles.
In addition to his new executive responsibilities, Turner is actively engaged in several boards including the Activating Change and the Council on Criminal Justice. He is also the chair of the Advisory Board of the Policing Project at NYU Law and plays a role on the Leadership Advisory Council at Yale Law School, showcasing his commitment to reform and advocacy.
The Ford Foundation has a long and storied history of addressing social issues, with a mission that focuses on reducing poverty and injustice, enhancing democratic values, and promoting human achievement globally. With an endowment of $16 billion and a presence spanning ten regional offices across the globe, the Foundation has been a pillar of social change for nearly 90 years. As Nicholas Turner steps into his new role, he is poised to shepherd its strategic initiatives, ensuring they remain cohesive, well-resourced, and impactful.
With Turner’s appointment, the Ford Foundation looks forward to further advancing its ambitious goals, ensuring that its programmatic efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in communities around the world. The next chapter in the Ford Foundation’s story promises to be an exciting one under his leadership, as they navigate the complexities of global inequality and justice in a rapidly changing world.