In a landmark appointment poised to shape the future of global philanthropy, Yale Law School Dean Heather Gerken has been named the next president of the Ford Foundation, becoming only the second woman in its history to lead the nearly 90-year-old institution.
Gerken will take the helm in November 2025, succeeding Darren Walker, who has led the foundation since 2013 and was widely credited with steering it toward a justice-focused mission centered on reducing global inequality. The announcement was made on July 1 by Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, chair of the Ford Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Gerken’s selection marks a historic moment for one of the world’s most influential philanthropic organizations and signals a deepening commitment to democracy, access, and systemic change. As a nationally recognized legal scholar and the first woman to serve as dean of Yale Law School, Gerken has spent her career fighting for equity in both the classroom and the courtroom.
“She brings unmatched intellect, vision, and a fierce dedication to justice that resonates deeply with the Ford Foundation’s mission,” said Paula Moreno, a trustee who served on the presidential search committee. “Her inclusive leadership and ability to drive innovation are exactly what we need at this pivotal moment.”
During her tenure at Yale, Gerken led a number of groundbreaking reforms aimed at expanding opportunity. She introduced full-tuition scholarships for low-income students, drastically increased veteran representation, and championed first-generation college graduates—reshaping the accessibility of elite legal education.
Her impact also extended into the policy arena. Through her founding of the San Francisco Affirmative Litigation Project at Yale, Gerken helped law students collaborate with city attorneys on high-profile cases—including a multimillion-dollar opioid settlement and legal victories for marriage equality.
Gerken expressed both humility and excitement about her new role: “It is a profound honor to join the Ford Foundation and build upon the legacy of those who came before me, particularly the astonishing Darren Walker,” she said. “As the world grapples with threats to democracy, the rule of law, and inequality, the work of the foundation has never been more urgent.”
The leadership transition follows a comprehensive national and international search process launched in 2024. Gerken’s appointment was applauded by her predecessor, Darren Walker, who praised her legal expertise and philanthropic commitment as vital for the foundation’s next chapter.
“Heather Gerken is a visionary leader whose dedication to justice and democratic values will carry forward the work we began,” Walker said.
Gerken’s career has spanned academia, advocacy, and public service. She previously taught at Harvard Law School, litigated voting rights cases at Jenner & Block, and clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter. She is a trustee of both Princeton University and the Mellon Foundation, and her scholarship has influenced both legal theory and public discourse.
The Ford Foundation, headquartered in New York, is known for supporting initiatives that advance human dignity, democratic participation, and economic fairness across the globe. With Gerken at the helm, the foundation is expected to deepen its commitment to justice, innovation, and inclusive leadership in philanthropy.
