Posted on August 26, 2004

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Rockefeller Foundation Appoints New President

Judith Rodin, former president of the University of Pennsylvania, has been named president of the New York City-based Rockefeller Foundation. She will assume her new position in March 2005.

Rodin, 59, succeeds Gordon Conway, who has served as president for six and a half years and will retire at the end of the year. "The Foundation's board of trustees is privileged to appoint Judy Rodin as the next president of the Rockefeller Foundation," said James F. Orr III, chairman of the board of trustees and head of the search committee. "Judy is an energetic, visionary leader whose accomplishments extend from community revitalization and management of a complex healthcare system to establishing new research institutes and launching innovative programs. We know that Judy will provide the leadership to guide the foundation as it continues its mission of reducing poverty around the world."

Rodin stepped down as president of the University of Pennsylvania in June after more than a decade of service. Under her leadership, Penn doubled its research funding, launched a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization program, established interdisciplinary institutes and degree programs throughout the university, expanded its international programs and collaborations, and became more deeply engaged in addressing global health challenges, including a project with the government of Botswana to build a hospital, and initiatives addressing women's health issues in Saudi Arabia and India. Rodin also chaired an international research network studying health and behavior for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Prior to becoming president of Penn, she served as provost of Yale University, where she was a professor of psychology and a professor of medicine and psychiatry.

"I am deeply honored to be given this opportunity to lead an organization committed to using knowledge-based initiatives to improve the lives of poor and excluded people throughout the world," said Dr. Rodin in a prepared statement. "Over the years, the Rockefeller Foundation has used its resources effectively to develop groundbreaking initiatives designed to address some of the world's most pressing problems by focusing on the root cause of social ills. I am looking forward to becoming part of this great organization, building upon the tremendously important work that has already been done, while seeking new and innovative ways to further the ambitious goal of helping to eradicate hunger and disease in the world through economic development, educational initiatives, and disease prevention."

Established in 1913, the Rockefeller Foundation has $3 billion in assets and provided $135 million in grants and programmatic investments in 2003. It has 180 employees in its offices in the United States, Kenya and Thailand and at its study and conference center in Italy.

“Dr. Judith Rodin Named Rockefeller Foundation President.” Rockefeller Foundation Press Release 8/25/04.

Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Location(s): New York, New York City

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