Gilbert to Be President of Chicago Council on Global Affairs with Daalder as CEO

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs announced Sarah Gilbert will take on the role of president and chief content officer as of July 1, 2023. After ten years as president, Ivo Daalder will take on the new role of chief executive officer of the Council.

“With democracy and civil discourse increasingly under threat around the world, the Council seeks to foster deeper understanding and encourage a shift in perspective on global issues, especially among the next generation. I’m honored to lead that charge,” says Gilbert. 

Gilbert joined the Council as its first chief content officer in July 2022 after serving as the vice president of news programming at NPR, where she oversaw the organization’s flagship news shows, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. She also created and launched NPR’s Up First and Consider This podcasts. 

Gilbert spent the past year at the Council launching an editorial startup team to connect with the next generation of changemakers. “By meeting them where they are and delivering authentic, platform native content, we will inform them and stir a sense of wonder that inspires them to create change,” says Gilbert. 

“I am very excited to continue working alongside Sarah to reach new audiences and expand dialogue on what’s happening in the world and why it matters,” says Daalder. “Sarah has already made an indelible impact on the organization and done much to chart an exciting course for its future.” 

Daalder, who will serve as the Council’s first CEO, became president of the organization in 2013 after serving as US ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama. Under Daalder’s leadership, the Council launched the Pritzker Forum on Global Cities, established the Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy, opened its own conference center, celebrated its centennial anniversary, and raised more than $30 million for its Second Century Campaign to support an ambitious digital transformation.  

“Sarah and Ivo are both visionaries and are the perfect team to transform the Council. We’re exploring new ways to bring global perspectives to young, diverse audiences and elevate the important role young people play in our shared global reality,” says John Ettelson, Council board chair. “We look forward to sharing the next steps on this journey soon.”   

About the Chicago Council on Global Affairs 

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Council was founded in 1922 and is dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at globalaffairs.org.