Jane Wales joins IDinsight’s Board of Directors

September 30, 2021 – IDinsight announces today the appointment of its new board director, Jane Wales. Ms. Wales brings to IDinsight immense experience and influence in the realms of philanthropy, civil society, and policymaking. She is the Vice President of the Aspen Institute and Executive Director of its Program on Philanthropy & Social Innovation.

“Jane will bring high-level policy savvy, and a keen understanding of how philanthropic resources can yield the highest social impact,” said IDinsight CEO Ruth Levine. “We are lucky to have her wisdom guiding IDinsight at this exciting time.”

Ms. Wales is the founder of the Global Philanthropy Forum and its regional affiliates in Africa and Brazil, and the former host of the nationally syndicated National Public Radio interview show WorldAffairs. Previously, Ms. Wales served in the Clinton Administration as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of the National Security Council. 

“IDinsight is at the forefront of social change, using data and evidence to help leaders – globally and across sectors – to maximize their impact and build a more equitable world,” said Jane Wales. “I am looking forward to learning from and contributing to this critically important work.”

In the philanthropic sector, Ms. Wales chaired the international security programs at the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the W. Alton Jones Foundation, and she directed the Project on World Security at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. From 2007 to 2008, she served as acting CEO of The Elders, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and founded by Nelson Mandela. Ms. Wales is Chair of the Board of FSG, a nonprofit consultancy; a member of the board of directors for the Center for a New American Security; and OpenCorporates.

“We are so pleased to welcome Jane Wales to the IDinsight Board of Directors,” said Katie Laidlaw, IDinsight Board Chair. “Jane’s deep global experience and commitment to addressing societal challenges will be an immense contribution to the Board.”