April 23, 2026
McCormick Foundation CEO to discuss philanthropy hurdles with SIU’s Paul Simon Institute
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Tim Knight, president and CEO of the Robert McCormick Foundation, will discuss the challenges facing philanthropy at a special event in Chicago hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Thursday, April 30.
Knight’s fireside conversation with John Shaw, institute director, is at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd. at 6 p.m. in the club’s French Room. A reception is from 5-6 p.m. in the same room.
Online registration to attend the conversation is requested.
Media availability
Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to attend the conversation. To make arrangements for interviews, contact William Becque, marketing associate, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, 618-453-4009.
Shaw and Knight will discuss Knight’s background and professional career, the McCormick Foundation’s history and programs, and the challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy in turbulent funding times, particularly in Chicago.
"Tim Knight is an extremely impressive leader at the McCormick Foundation,” Shaw said. “He has been strategic, bold, and passionately committed to using the Foundation's reputation and resources to build a stronger Chicago.”
Knight has spent most of his career in the media industry, much of it with the Tribune Company. Prior to joining the McCormick Foundation, he served as CEO, president, and a member of the board of Tribune Publishing Co. Earlier in his career, Knight was president of Advance Ohio, CEO of the holding company of the Chicago Sun-Times, president and CEO of Newsday Media Group, and publisher of Newsday magazine.
Knight began his career as a corporate attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Chicago and London. He has an undergraduate degree in accounting from Marquette University and a law degree from DePaul University.