Transformative Philanthropic Leader Darren Walker Joins Board of The Obama Foundation

CHICAGO – The Obama Foundation is pleased to announce that Darren Walker, outgoing president of the Ford Foundation, will join The Obama Foundation’s Board of Directors on Nov 1. Walker, a transformative leader in philanthropy, brings decades of experience advancing democratic values, social justice and equity to the Obama Foundation.

“Darren Walker is an outstanding example of what it means to lead with purpose in philanthropy,” said President Obama. “Darren's work to challenge long-held assumptions, stand up to injustice, and build unlikely partnerships aligns perfectly with the mission of the Obama Foundation. His experience and insight will sharpen our thinking and deepen our impact as we help the next generation of leaders change their world for the better.”

“Darren Walker is a builder in every sense of the word,” said Marty Nesbitt, Chair of the Board. “As a Board, our job is to ensure the Foundation stays focused, strategic, and bold in pursuit of its mission. Darren brings a rare combination of visionary thinking and practical know-how that will strengthen our governance and sharpen our impact. His deep experience leading through complexity and bringing diverse voices to the table will be an invaluable asset as we guide the Foundation into its next chapter and open the Obama Presidential Center next year.”

“What sets Darren apart is his deep belief in proximity – that real progress comes from listening and investing in those closest to the challenge,” said Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer. “Whether he’s working with grassroots organizers or reimagining how global institutions deploy capital, Darren’s leadership has always been grounded in empathy, integrity, and trust. These values are core to our mission, and we are thrilled to have his wisdom and partnership on our team.”

During his 12 years at the Ford Foundation, Darren became one of the most prominent figures in philanthropy, largely known for his unwavering commitment to steering the Foundation's focus toward human rights issues that have a direct impact on people's lives around the world, including racial, ethnic and gender equity, hate crimes and food insecurity. Walker brings a distinctive perspective to philanthropic leadership, often speaking about how being a gay man who was raised by a single African American mother in East Texas shaped his views about charitable work and nurtured his commitment toward social justice.

He is also known for his ambitious collaboration efforts, having brought together leaders of all types – from elected officials and academics to donors and grassroots activists – to address issues of social justice. Darren is also an accomplished author, with his new book, “The Idea of America: Reflections on Inequality, Democracy, and the Values We Share,” scheduled for release this fall.

“Joining The Obama Foundation Board feels like coming home to everything I believe about leadership and change,” said Darren Walker. “I believe deeply in the power of individuals to change the world, and I’m honored to work with President and Mrs. Obama to help empower and support the next generation of changemakers.”   

About The Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. That mission begins on the South Side of Chicago, where the Foundation is building the Obama Presidential Center. The Obama Presidential Center represents a historic opportunity for Chicago: a chance to build a world-class museum and public gathering space that celebrates our nation's first African American President and First Lady, steps away from where he began his career, where she was raised, and where — together — they made their home. Not only will the Center generate billions of dollars of economic opportunity and help reconnect and revitalize Jackson Park, but it will also serve as a reminder to young visitors — from around the city and from around the world — that their potential is limitless.

About Darren Walker 

Darren Walker is president of the Ford Foundation, a $16 billion international social justice philanthropy. Before joining Ford, Darren was vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation, overseeing global and domestic programs. In the 1990s, he was COO of the Abyssinian Development Corporation, Harlem’s largest community development organization. Darren co-founded both the US Impact Investing Alliance and the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy.  

Educated exclusively in public schools, Darren was a member of the first Head Start class in 1965 and received BA, BS, and JD degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He has been included on numerous leadership lists including Time’s annual 100 Most Influential People, Rolling Stone’s 25 People Shaping the Future and Wall Street Journal 2020 Philanthropy Innovator of the Year. He is the recipient of 16 honorary degrees, including Harvard University’s W.E.B. Du Bois Medal. In 2022, he was awarded France’s highest cultural honor, the Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, for leadership in the arts. In 2023 he was also appointed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II to the Order of the British Empire for services to UK/US relations. In 2024, President Joe Biden awarded Darren the National Humanities Medal, which honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of and engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.

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Contact: Emily Bittner, press@obama.org