News

The appointment of Ian Solomon, currently the dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, follows an extensive search that began in the summer of 2025 when Stephen Heintz announced plans to retire after 25 years as RBF president and CEO.

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund Board of Trustees announced it would confer upon Stephen Heintz the title of president emeritus—a distinction that has never before been granted in the organization's history. 

Ian H. Solomon, the dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, will become RBF’s eighth president and CEO this September.

TIME has named Charlie Brown, executive director of the Trust for Civic Life, to the 2026 TIME100 Philanthropy list, which recognizes the most influential leaders shaping the future of giving.

The Fund in 2025: Shoulder to Shoulder reflects on a year of unprecedented challenges, where the RBF and its grantees drew on decades of investment in civil society and the strength of collective action.

After eight years leading the Western Balkans program, Mia will step into a broader role overseeing program development and grants.

2026 will be a hinge year when the United States can choose to reaffirm the ideals of its founding and continue the work of realizing them, or imperil the possibility. Challenging times require philanthropy to do more. 

At the end of February, Betsy will step down from her role as executive vice president for programs and communications to become chief philanthropy officer at the Marin Community Foundation.

Heintz’s participation alongside distinguished members include former heads of government and other internationally recognized figures reflects the RBF’s longstanding commitment to strengthening the vitality of democracy and advancing just and durable peace.

The RBF stands in solidarity with our fellow foundations and charitable organizations.