Luis Ubiñas

Luis A. Ubiñas is president of the Ford Foundation. The Ford Foundation is the second largest philanthropy in the United States, with over $10.5 billion in assets and $500 million in annual giving. It celebrates its 75th anniversary of philanthropic leadership in 2011.

Since taking the presidency in 2008, Luis has strengthened the foundation’s program strategies to increase the participation of poor and marginalized communities in the economic, social and political opportunities afforded by their societies. In particular, he has focused on how new technology and social media can reshape the way nonprofits deliver results for those they serve. He has also led the restructuring of the foundation’s operations and endowment management to maximize the resources available to pursue its mission.

Prior to joining the Ford Foundation, Luis was a Director at McKinsey & Company, leading the firm’s media practice on the West Coast. He served technology, telecommunications and media companies, working with them to develop and implement strategies and improve operations. Much of his work focused on the opportunities and challenges represented by the growth of internet and wireless technologies.

Luis serves on several non-profit, government and corporate boards and advisory committees, including World Bank Advisory Council of Global Foundation Leaders, the UN Permanent Memorial Advisory Committee, and the boards of the New York Public Library and the Collegiate School for Boys. He joined the Board of Electronic Arts in November 2010 and has been nominated by President Obama to serve on the U.S. Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiation.

Luis is a graduate of Harvard College, where he was named a Truman Scholar, and Harvard Business School, where he graduated with highest honors. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Luis is married to Deborah L. Tolman, professor of social welfare and psychology at Hunter College School of Social Work and The Graduate Center, City University of New York. They have two sons.

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