The Aspen Institute today announced that Dan Porterfield will complete his service as President and CEO in the summer of 2026, after more than eight years of visionary leadership. This planned transition comes at a time of great momentum for the Institute—a global leadership and convening organization founded in Aspen, Colorado in 1949 and headquartered in Washington, DC.

Since joining the Institute in 2018, Porterfield has led the organization through a period of growth, innovation, and renewal. Under his leadership, the Institute approved a new and ambitious strategic plan, launched and has already raised nearly $300 million toward a historic $450 million campaign, and significantly grown its programs and impact. During his tenure, the Institute has nearly doubled its annual revenue and tripled its endowment, brought new energy to flagship events like the Aspen Ideas Festival, and launched major initiatives to strengthen societal trust, elevate values-based leadership, and empower youth and young adults.

Notable achievements include the founding of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, the creation of a fully endowed Center for Rising Generations, and hundreds of millions of new philanthropic investments in the Institute’s programs, fellowships, and events. Porterfield has also championed internal culture-building and operational excellence—investing in new technology systems, recruiting talent across the organization, and reimagining the Institute’s historic Aspen Meadows campus as a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable convening space.

“Serving as President and CEO of the Aspen Institute has been, and continues to be, the experience of a lifetime,” said Porterfield. “Great institutions plan leadership transitions from a position of strength. This greatly influenced my decision because we are well positioned for future success. We have a catalyzing strategic plan, outsized momentum in fundraising, impactful leaders across the Institute, and an ever more relevant purpose and mission. This is a natural and energizing moment to begin planning for the Institute’s next chapter. I’m deeply grateful to our Board of Trustees, our staff, our supporters, and our network of leaders for the opportunity to pursue our purpose and mission together, and I know that the Aspen Institute is poised for even greater impact in the years ahead.”

Porterfield will remain in his role for almost a full year and through the completion of the search for the Institute’s next President and CEO. That process will be led by Board Chair Margot Pritzker.

“Dan’s thoughtful decision to announce his plans well in advance reflects the kind of values-based leadership that has defined his tenure,” said Pritzker. “He has elevated the Institute in every dimension—advancing our purpose and mission, strengthening our community, and expanding our impact in the world. I am grateful for his service, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the Institute. It has been a privilege to work alongside him.”

More information about the search process for the Aspen Institute’s next President and CEO will be shared in the months ahead.