MacArthur Foundation Appoints New President

March 10, 2009, Chronicle of Philanthropy — Robert L. Gallucci, a former American diplomat and weapons inspector, has been chosen to be the next president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, one of the nation’s largest foundations.

He will replace Jonathan F. Fanton, who has served two five-years terms and under the Chicago organization’s policy is required to step down.

Mr. Gallucci, 63, is currently dean of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, in Washington, but previously spent 21 years working in the federal government.

During the Clinton administration, he served in the State Department and oversaw how the Dayton Peace Accords took effect. That agreement ended a three-year war in the former Yugoslavia. He also led efforts to stem the proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction.

After the first Gulf War, he was part of the United Nations Special Commission charged with uncovering chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons programs in Iraq.

In an interview, Mr. Gallucci said he was attracted to the foundation job because of the wide-range of causes MacArthur supports. While best know for its “genius” awards, MacArthur makes grants in 60 countries to improve human rights, the arts, the environment, and other areas. The foundation has $5-billion in assets.

“I was and am struck by the breadth and depth of the mission,” he said.

While Mr. Gallucci’s career has primarily focused on international matters, he said he is educating himself about housing and other domestic issues that are grant-making priorities for MacArthur. “I’m looking forward to learning about those areas where I really don’t have expertise,” he said.

Robert Denham, a Los Angeles lawyer who is chairman of MacArthur’s Board of Directors, said it choose Mr. Gallucci after a seven-month search because of “his combination of terrific intellect and terrific experience dealing with really big problems.”