Valerie Jarrett, Former Obama Advisor, Leads Obama Foundation

Jarrett oversees creation of new cultural and civic institution in Chicago

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Valerie Jarrett, the former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, is now the Chief Executive Officer and a board member of The Obama Foundation. In this role, she is overseeing the development of a new world-class cultural and civic institution on Chicago's south side, as well as the Foundation's programs aimed at inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to create positive change.

Why it matters

Jarrett's appointment to lead the Obama Foundation is significant, as she was one of President Obama's longest-serving and most influential advisors during his administration. Her expertise and connections will be invaluable as the Foundation works to establish a major new institution in Chicago that can serve as a hub for community engagement and social impact initiatives.

The details

In addition to her role with the Obama Foundation, Jarrett is also a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The University of Chicago Law School and the author of the New York Times bestselling book "Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward." She served as Senior Advisor to President Obama from 2009-2017, making her the longest-serving senior advisor to a president in history. In that role, she oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls.

  • Jarrett served as Senior Advisor to President Obama from 2009-2017.
  • Jarrett was appointed CEO of the Obama Foundation in 2026.

The players

Valerie Jarrett

Chief Executive Officer and board member of The Obama Foundation, where she is overseeing the creation of a new world-class cultural and civic institution in Chicago. She previously served as Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama from 2009-2017, making her the longest-serving senior advisor to a president in history.

The Obama Foundation

A non-profit organization founded by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, focused on inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to create positive change.

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What’s next

The Obama Foundation is expected to announce more details about its planned Chicago institution and programming in the coming months.

The takeaway

Valerie Jarrett's appointment to lead the Obama Foundation underscores the organization's commitment to creating a lasting legacy and positive impact, drawing on Jarrett's deep experience and relationships from her time as a top advisor to President Obama.