Adele Smith Simmons has spent her career building bridges—between sectors, across borders, and toward a more sustainable and equitable world. A leader in global philanthropy and public policy, she has shaped institutions and initiatives that tackle some of the most complex challenges of our time, from climate change to human security.
Simmons rose to national prominence as President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation from 1989 to 1999—the first woman to lead a major U.S. foundation. During her tenure, she guided more than $1.5 billion in grants and helped redefine the Foundation’s focus on global security and sustainability, and human and community development. Under her leadership, MacArthur expanded internationally, opening offices across multiple continents and launching efforts that contributed to nuclear threat reduction and global conservation. Several grantees supported during this time were later awarded Nobel Peace Prizes.
Her commitment to climate and sustainability has been a throughline, from helping establish the Energy Foundation to advancing the Chicago Climate Action Plan and convening cross-sector leaders to reduce emissions. Earlier in her career, she broke barriers in higher education as the first woman to serve as dean at Princeton University and later as the first female president of Hampshire College.
Today, Simmons continues to foster global collaboration through her Simmons Center for Global Chicago and as President of Global Philanthropy Partnership. Her legacy is one of vision and connection, bringing people and ideas together to create lasting impact.
