January 23, 2025
Rockefeller Brothers Fund president to discuss geopolitics at SIU’s Paul Simon Institute event
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Stephen Heintz, president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation on Thursday, Jan. 30, to discuss the rapidly changing global landscape and the role of philanthropy in fostering a more just and sustainable world.
During the event, Heintz will speak with John Shaw, institute director, about his recent essay, “A Logic for the Future: International Relations in the Age of Turbulence,” and reflect on the work and impact of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
The discussion, via Zoom at noon, is free and open to the public, but registration to view the conversation is required. The discussion is part of the institute’s “Understanding Our New World” discussion series. Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register.
Heintz has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career, which began in Connecticut. Before joining the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in 2001, Heintz co-founded and served as president of Demos, a public policy organization focused on reducing economic and political inequality and fostering citizen engagement in the United States. He also co-chaired the American Academy of Arts and Sciences’ National Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship in the 21st Century, contributing to the influential report “Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy in the 21st Century.”
In the 1990s, Heintz served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the EastWest Institute. He currently chairs the board of the Quincy Institute and serves on the board of the International Crisis Group.
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, established in 1940 by the sons of John D. Rockefeller and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, now has an endowment of over $1 billion. The fund supports initiatives in civic participation, democracy, international engagement, conservation and environmental sustainability.
“Stephen Heintz is a deeply impressive thought leader and a highly respected figure in philanthropy,” Shaw said. “His career in public service is admirable and inspiring. His essay on ‘The Age of Turbulence’ is essential reading. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund has made significant contributions to the United States and the world for more than 80 years.”
Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Heintz on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.
More information, a list of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.