Emboldening leaders to break boundaries and work across divides
George W. Bush Presidential Center
Presidential Leadership Scholars
Developing a generation of leaders focused on solving society’s most challenging issues.
We’re bringing together leaders from across the nonprofit, military, public, and private sector fields to produce bold and principled leaders who are committed to solving our greatest challenges, both domestically and across the world.
Throughout its history, the United States has been a vibrant Nation with talented leaders confronting its toughest problems. Today, we need a new generation of champions who come together to make significant contributions in the communities where they live, work, and volunteer.
The future will be owned by leaders who, despite their differences, are willing to engage in the difficult job of finding real solutions.
The Presidential Leadership Scholars program draws on the strengths and resources of the George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Lyndon B. Johnson presidential centers. Diverse midcareer professionals hone their leadership abilities through interactions with former presidents, key administration officials, leading academics, and business leaders.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS WEBSITE
UNIQUELY BUILT
First-of-its-kind program, in partnership with other presidential centers, teaches leadership through the lens of presidential experiences.
ROBUST NETWORK
A diverse group of rising leaders form lifelong connections that would not have been made otherwise and engage in an active alumni network.
LASTING IMPACT
Scholars attribute their significant personal leadership growth to the program, as well as inspiration and progress on their personal leadership projects.
Presidential Leadership Scholars Team
Read Kelley Jiou's biography.
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Kelley Jiou
Director, Leadership and Programming George W. Bush Institute
Read Casey Rodriguez's biography.
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Casey Rodriguez
Program Manager, Leadership Programs George W. Bush Institute
Read Keith Hennessey's biography.
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Keith Hennessey
David Rubenstein Fellow George W. Bush Institute
Joshua Bolten
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Business Roundtable
Sylvia M. Burwell
President, American University
James W. Cicconi
Former Senior Executive Vice President, AT&T
Carlos M. Gutierrez
Executive Chairman and CoFounder, EmPath
Alexis M. Herman
Chair and Chief Executive Officer, New Ventures LLC
Kenneth A. Hersh, Ex-Officio
President and Chief Executive Officer, George W. Bush Presidential Center
Holly Kuzmich
Former Executive Director, Bush Institute
Tom Johnson
Chairman Emeritus, LBJ Foundation Board of Trustees
Bruce Lindsey, Ex-Officio
Counselor to the Chair, Clinton Foundation
Thomas "Mack" F. McLarty III
Chairman, McLarty Associates
Constance Berry Newman
Special Counsel, African Affairs, The Carmen Group; Advisor, U.S. African Development Foundation on Somalia
Lyndon L. Olson, Jr.
Vice Chairman, LBJ Foundation Board of Trustees
Fred McClure
Associate Vice President, Leadership & Engagement, Texas A&M University
Margaret Spellings
President and Chief Executive Officer, 2036
Larry Temple
Chairman, LBJ Foundation Board of Trustees
SCHOLAR STORIES
The precious gift of the Presidential Leadership Scholars
2024 Presidential Leadership Scholars join alumni network
We can heal our nation through service
Five Presidential Leadership Scholar stories we love
LATEST
Political winds may blow, but values-based leadership remains
By: Kelley Jiou
Presidential Leadership Scholar spotlight: Nubia Peña
How one Presidential Leadership Scholar is using language to bridge divides
By: Kinsey Clemmer
Presidential Leadership Scholar spotlight: Randell Trammell
A leadership program unlike any other
Presidential Leadership Scholar spotlight: Amy Kroll