From the President - Ford Foundation

The Urgent Work of Our Moment

This week, with a heart full of gratitude, I begin my tenure as the 11th president of the Ford Foundation—the honor of my professional life.

In the press – Inside Philanthropy

Eight Things to Know About the Ford Foundation’s Incoming President

Ford Foundation has chosen the dean of Yale Law School, Heather Gerken, to replace Darren Walker as its leader.

A Heather Gerken in a bright pink jacket** sits in the front row of an auditorium, smiling and looking forward. She is seated next to three other people, with a large, diverse crowd blurred in the rows behind them.

In the press – The Associated Press

Yale’s Law School Dean Will Be the Ford Foundation’s New President

Yale Law School Dean Heather Gerken will succeed Darren Walker as the president of one of the largest U.S. charitable organizations.

J. Michael Luttig, former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Videos

The Urgent Work of Our Moment: The Rule of Law & Democracy

Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken joins J. Michael Luttig, former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, for a conversation on the importance of strengthening democracy, protecting elections, and upholding the rule of law.

Ford Foundation president Heather Gerken in a navy coat with gold buttons standing in the foundation's atrium garden.

In the press – The New York Times

Ford Foundation’s New Leader Vows to Protect Elections and the Rule of Law

Heather K. Gerken, a voting rights scholar and former dean of Yale Law School, plans to intensify its emphasis on democracy as it girds for attacks.

The 11th President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken

In the press – Chronicle of Philanthropy

Ford Picks Yale Law School Dean to Succeed Darren Walker

Ford Foundation has named Heather Gerken, dean of Yale University Law School, as its next president.

Event graphic for "Toward a Better Politics" featuring Governors Spencer Cox and Josh Shapiro alongside a female moderator. The purple-toned banner includes the date Dec. 9, 2025, at 7pm. Focus keywords: democracy, political leadership, national conversation.

In the press 09 Dec. 2025

Toward a Better Politics: Heather Gerken joins conversation on democracy at The National Cathedral

Heather Gerken joins a forum at the Washington National Cathedral on confronting political violence in America, where she discussed how to reject extremism and build a civic life rooted in mutual respect.

A candid photo of Heather Gerken with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a tan blazer over a white top. She is speaking passionately, holding both fists slightly raised. A blurred American flag is visible in the background.

In the press – The New York Times

Ford Foundation’s New Leader Says She’ll Work to Protect Democracy

Heather K. Gerken to become the president of the Ford Foundation later this year.

A grid of four headshots: four people, two women and two men, of diverse backgrounds. From left to right: a white woman, a Hispanic/Latina woman, a white man in a suit and orange tie, and a Black woman with dreadlocks.

News

What They’re Saying About Heather Gerken, Incoming President of the Ford Foundation

Learn more about what leaders are saying about Heather Gerken and the expertise she will bring as the next president of the Ford Foundation.

A candid photo of Heather Gerken in a bright orange blazer smiling.

Ford Foundation Announces Heather Gerken as New President

Heather Gerken will become the 11th president of the Ford Foundation, succeeding Darren Walker in November 2025.