Mariko Silver

Mariko Silver is the president of the Henry Luce Foundation. Established by Henry Luce, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time Inc., the foundation conducts grantmaking and leadership programs in the fields of Asia, higher education, religion and theology, art, and public policy. Dr. Silver previously served as the president of Bennington College where she was responsible for all dimensions of life at the college and has become a recognized thought leader for her writings on experiential learning, the future of work, institutional innovation, and diversity in leadership. In her time at Bennington, Silver spearheaded the development of a 10-year strategic plan; forged lasting partnerships with some of the world’s premier arts and cultural institutions; oversaw a revitalization of the campus, including the iconic Commons building; quadrupled commitments to the endowment since 2013; and guided the establishment of the largest capital campaign in the school’s history, raising over $90 million.

Prior to her tenure at Bennington, Dr. Silver served as Acting Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Policy in the United States Department of Homeland Security under President Obama, as Policy Advisor to Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, as Senior Advisor to the President of Arizona State University, and at Columbia University.

Dr. Silver holds a BA in History from Yale University, an MSc in Science and Technology Policy from the University of Sussex, a Ph.D. in Economic Geography from the University of California at Los Angeles, and an honorary Ph.D. from Hofstra University.

Dr. Silver is married to musician Thom Loubet and is the mother of two children.