PRESS RELEASE: Arthur C. Brooks to Step down as President of the American Enterprise Institute in 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

CONTACT: [email protected], 202.862.5829

Washington, DC (March 14, 2018) — Tully Friedman and Daniel D’Aniello, co-chairs of AEI’s Board of Trustees, announced that Arthur C. Brooks intends to step down as president in the summer of 2019, after a decade of distinguished service. Brooks had asked AEI’s Board of Trustees to commence the search for his successor at the annual executive board meeting, and informed scholars and staff of his decision on Wednesday afternoon.

“Brooks has taken AEI to new heights in his tenure,” said Friedman. “He has built on AEI’s legacy of high quality research, transitioned AEI to a new and permanent home, established impactful new policy departments, and oversaw an unprecedented period of strong financial growth.”

Brooks joined AEI as a visiting scholar in 2007 while also teaching at Syracuse University. Brooks became the eleventh president of AEI on January 1, 2009.

“Brooks has left an indelible and lasting mark on AEI,” said D’Aniello. “His commitment to democratic capitalism, innovative policy ideas, American leadership, and solidarity with those at the periphery of society has helped make the nation and world more prosperous, free, and safe. Thanks to his many contributions, AEI is stronger than at any time in its history, and well-positioned for the future.”

As president of AEI, Brooks launched a series of highly successful entrepreneurial ventures expressly designed to create impact and fulfill AEI’s mission. These ventures include new scholarly departments in areas such as poverty studies; a communications system dedicated to reaching leaders and building a worldwide audience; a presence on more than 100 college campuses; and thousands of public events in Washington, DC, and around the country. Brooks also oversaw AEI’s Capital Campaign—allowing AEI to purchase and restore a historic headquarters in Washington, DC, debt free. Meanwhile, AEI’s traditional programs have grown dramatically and its annual resources have more than doubled.

Even as he oversaw all of these accomplishments, Brooks published three books, two of which made the New York Times bestseller list (with proceeds donated to AEI); wrote more than 150 columns for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and other publications; produced peer-reviewed academic research; gave more than 1,000 public speeches; and traveled more than a million airline miles promoting AEI’s work and message.

“It has been a privilege to lead this incredible community of scholars and staff,” said Brooks. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity to lead my intellectual heroes—men and women dedicated to the competition of ideas and service to the nation and world.”

“My highest priority is to ensure the legacy, mission and success of AEI,” Brooks continued. “I am confident that AEI’s Board of Trustees will find a successor that will take the institute from strength to strength.”

D’Aniello and Friedman said that a search committee will be formed in the coming weeks, and a global search will be conducted for Brooks’ successor.

For additional inquiries, please contact AEI Media Services at [email protected] or 202.862.5829.

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