Obama Foundation appoints departing president of Ford Foundation to its board of directors
Darren Walker Joins Obama Foundation as Board Member
Darren Walker, a renowned figure in the philanthropic world, has joined the Obama Foundation as a member of its board of directors. The announcement was made on November 1, 2025, shortly after Walker concluded his 12-year tenure as president of the Ford Foundation.
Walker's experience aligns perfectly with the Obama Foundation's mission, which aims to promote democracy and a "spirit of active citizenship." His work at the Ford Foundation, where he focused on advancing democratic values, social justice, and equity, will prove invaluable in his new role.
In his new position, Walker is expected to sharpen the Foundation’s strategic thinking and deepen its impact. He will work to support the next generation of leaders and changemakers, emphasizing his belief in the power of individuals to change the world. His expertise in challenging assumptions, standing up to injustice, and building diverse partnerships will enhance the Foundation’s governance and help guide it through its next chapter, including the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, scheduled for 2026.
President Barack Obama praised Walker as a transformative philanthropic leader whose leadership with purpose will complement the Foundation's goals. Walker himself expressed that joining the board feels like "coming home" to his beliefs about leadership and change.
Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of the Obama Foundation, praised Walker's pending arrival, stating that what sets him apart is his deep belief in proximity - that real progress comes from listening and investing in those closest to the challenge. Jarrett believes that Walker's leadership has always been grounded in empathy, integrity, and trust.
Walker's leadership experience at the Ford Foundation, where he emphasized gender equity and disability rights, positions him to help the Obama Foundation continue fostering social justice initiatives. He will contribute to cultivating unlikely partnerships and inclusive governance, enhancing the Foundation’s ability to respond to complex social issues and support active citizenship.
The Obama Foundation is led by Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama. Walker is honored to work with the Obamas to help empower and support the next generation of changemakers. However, the Obama Presidential Center is currently at the center of a lawsuit from a subcontractor, which accused an engineering firm of racial discrimination.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/us/politics/darren-walker-obama-foundation.html [2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/01/us/darren-walker-obama-foundation/index.html [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/11/01/darren-walker-joins-obama-foundation/ [4] https://www.axios.com/2025/11/01/darren-walker-obama-foundation-board-member.html [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/us/politics/darren-walker-obama-foundation-interview.html
- In his new role at the Obama Foundation, Darren Walker will aim to enhance the organization's focus on finance, capital, and business, channeling his expertise from the Ford Foundation to support the next generation of leaders in business, furthering the foundation's mission of promoting democracy and active citizenship.
- As a seasoned philanthropic leader, with a strong focus on democratic values, Darren Walker’s leadership at the Obama Foundation will bring expertise in leadership, business, and finance, allowing the organization to create partnerships that promote social justice, equity, and active citizenship, in line with its mission.
