The Ford Foundation has announced that Heather Gerken, the current dean of Yale Law School, will become its 11th president in November 2025.

Gerken, a nationally recognised expert on constitutional law and democracy, will succeed Darren Walker, who has led the foundation for over a decade.

Chair of the Board of trustees of the Ford Foundation, Dr Francisco Cigarroa, praised Gerken’s wealth of experience in the philanthropic and legal sectors, saying, “Heather Gerken brings a wealth of experience working across the philanthropic and legal sectors that will only help sharpen the Ford Foundation’s operations and grantmaking.”

Paula Moreno, a member of the presidential search committee, added, “Heather Gerken brings exceptional intellect, inclusive leadership, and a profound commitment to justice around the world. As only the second woman to lead the Ford Foundation, Heather will drive bold innovation and inspire transformative systemic change with urgency and vision.”

Gerken’s appointment follows an extensive national and international search led by the board of trustees and Russell Reynolds Associates. As dean of Yale Law School, Gerken prioritized addressing economic barriers to the legal profession and increasing access for underrepresented students.

Under her leadership, Yale Law School launched full-tuition scholarships for students from low-income backgrounds and increased veteran student representation.

Gerken is also the founder and leader of Yale Law School’s San Francisco Affirmative Litigation Project Clinic, which helps students work with city attorneys to litigate cases on behalf of the city. The clinic has helped the city win significant victories, including a multimillion-dollar settlement in the opioid litigation.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with Ford staff and the board of trustees to protect democracy and the rule of law and further our mission to create a more just and fairer world for everyone,” said Gerken.

Outgoing president of the Ford Foundation, Darren Walker, congratulated Gerken, saying, “I extend my warmest congratulations to Heather Gerken as she prepares to lead the Ford Foundation into its next chapter. Her experience and dedication to philanthropy and the field of law will undoubtedly propel the foundation’s mission forward.”

Gerken’s scholarly writings have been featured in prominent publications, including The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Time Magazine. She is the author of The Democracy Index: Why Our Election System is Failing and How to Fix It.