Robertson Foundation Names Richard Barth President

Robertson Foundation Names Richard Barth President

New York, NY, August 19, 2021   -- The Robertson Foundation today named Richard Barth, CEO of the KIPP Foundation, as its new President. 

Julian Robertson, who launched the foundation in 1996 with his late wife, Josie, said, “Richard is a brilliant and pragmatic leader who has helped build the KIPP network into a model of teaching and learning excellence. Richard’s vast experience in building successful partnerships transcends the educational space and makes him an ideal leader for the Robertson Foundation. We are thrilled that he is joining us.”

Mr. Barth said, “I am incredibly excited to join the Robertson Foundation next summer.  Julian Robertson is an extraordinary philanthropist, and I look forward to building on the incredible track record of game-changing investments.”

Mr. Barth will transition from KIPP to the Robertson Foundation at the end of the 2022 school year. 

Richard Barth 

Richard Barth was appointed CEO of the KIPP Foundation in 2005. As CEO of the KIPP Foundation, Mr. Barth has led the growth of the KIPP network, which has grown from 45 to 270 schools, from 8,000 to over 110,000 students, and from 400 to 40,000 alumni since 2005. During this period, KIPP also dramatically expanded KIPP’s leadership development programs, advocated for high performing charter schools on Capitol Hill, and secured partnerships with over 100 colleges and universities.

Mr. Barth came to KIPP from Edison Schools, where he served as President of District Partnerships. Prior to joining Edison, he was one of the founding staff members of Teach For America.

Mr. Barth earned a B.A. in American History from Harvard University, and is an Aspen Institute-New Schools Fellow. He currently sits on the board of directors of Braven and the KIPP Foundation. Barth was named a 2014 Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Harvard University’s Chief Marshal for 2014. Mr. Barth lives in New York with his wife and children.

The Robertson Foundation

The Robertson Foundation, a private family-led foundation, has given away more than $1.5 billion in its 25-year history. By taking a targeted yet creative approach to philanthropy, Mr. Robertson, the Chairman of Tiger Management L.L.C., and his family seek to have a positive social impact and create a legacy that reflects the family’s values.  The Foundation looks to maximize the impact of its efforts by making large, transformative grants that leverage the Foundation’s resources beyond the immediate funds committed; it seeks measurable outcomes in either the intermediate or longer term. The Foundation currently makes grants in three principal areas within the United States: 1) education 2) environment and 3) medical research. As opportunities emerge, the foundation has provided grants in other areas of interest.

Among the largest beneficiaries have been the Environmental Defense Fund, New York Stem Cell Foundation, Success Academy Charter Schools, Robertson Scholars Leadership Program (Duke/UNC),  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Rockefeller University. 

The Robertson Scholars program was founded in 2000 by Mr. and Mrs. Robertson to increase collaboration between Duke University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, campuses that are seven miles apart.   The Scholars, exceptional young people with strong leadership potential, number about 125 on the two campuses and receive full scholarships.

The Robertson Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.