Yale’s law school dean will be the Ford Foundation’s new president
July 2, 2025
The Ford Foundation has announced Yale Law School Dean Heather Gerken as its next president. Gerken, a leading expert on constitutional law and democracy, will succeed Darren Walker, who has led the foundation since 2013. Her tenure begins in November. The Ford Foundation, with a $16 billion endowment, focuses on social justice initiatives. Gerken brings extensive legal experience, including work on voting rights and increasing access for underrepresented students at Yale. She called it a profound honor to continue the foundation’s mission. Walker praised her dedication, saying her leadership will advance the foundation’s goals of equity and justice.