Yale Law Dean Named Ford Foundation President Amid Transition

Heather Gerken, the dean of Yale Law School and an expert in constitutional law and democracy, has been named the next president of the Ford Foundation, succeeding Darren Walker in November 2025. Gerken’s leadership at Yale Law was marked by efforts to increase access for underrepresented students, including launching full-tuition scholarships for low-income students and expanding veteran representation, as well as leading the withdrawal from the U.S. News law school rankings to better support public interest law careers. She has a strong background in litigation and has been involved in significant legal victories, including cases related to opioid settlements and same-sex marriage legalization. The Ford Foundation, with a $16 billion endowment, has focused under Walker on social justice issues such as gender equity and disability rights, and Gerken’s experience aligns with its mission to promote democracy and justice. Her appointment comes amid challenges to the tax-exempt status of nonprofits under the Trump administration and reflects a commitment to advancing systemic change in philanthropy. Gerken expressed enthusiasm about continuing to protect democracy and the rule of law while furthering the foundation's aim to create a more just and fair world.