Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Dan Porterfield to Begin Next Chapter as CEO of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Board Chair of Teach For America

After a transformational eight-year tenure as President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, Daniel R. Porterfield will begin his next chapter of leadership in July 2026 as Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. He will also assume the role of Chair of the National Board of Directors of Teach For America later this spring.

Read the announcements from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Teach For America.

These roles reflect a clear throughline that has defined Porterfield’s career: a deep commitment to expanding opportunity through education, developing principled leaders, and strengthening institutions that serve the public good.

Porterfield shared his intention in September to conclude his service at the Aspen Institute in summer 2026, allowing time for a thoughtful transition while sustaining momentum across the Institute’s work—including the implementation of its five-year strategic plan and the launch of a historic 75th Anniversary Campaign.

At the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Porterfield will assume leadership at a pivotal moment for the organization, which recently marked 25 years of expanding opportunity for exceptionally promising students with financial need. He will succeed Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, who will retire in June 2026.

In a statement reflecting on this transition, Margot Pritzker, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Aspen Institute, said:

“Dan’s leadership at the Aspen Institute has been defined by his belief in the power of dialogue and ideas to shape a better world, and by his deep commitment to expanding opportunity through education. We are thrilled to see Dan take on this next chapter as CEO of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. While we will miss his leadership at the Aspen Institute, we celebrate this moment and know that his vision, integrity, and ability to translate values into impact make him exceptionally well-suited to lead an organization that has transformed the lives of so many talented young people.”

Porterfield has also been elected incoming Chair of Teach For America’s National Board of Directors, succeeding David Kenny, Executive Chairman of Nielsen, who concludes four years of service in the role. A longtime board member and partner to the organization, Porterfield has worked closely with Teach For America across his career—as an educator, college president, and national leader committed to cultivating talent and leadership in service of students and communities.

The Aspen Institute’s Board of Trustees is leading a national search to identify the Institute’s next President and CEO. Porterfield will remain fully engaged in leading the Aspen Institute through June 2026, working closely with the Board, staff, and partners to ensure a strong and seamless transition.