James Bildner

Jim Bildner is the CEO of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK), one of the largest venture philanthropy firms in the world.12 He joined DRK in November 2013.6 In this role, he works with the team to expand and manage the portfolio, build the donor and talent base, and develop thought leadership for the foundation.7

Bildner is also an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and a Senior Research Fellow at the Hauser Institute for Civil Society and the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University.12 At Harvard, he teaches courses on social enterprise and public problem solving, focusing on strategies to increase the capacity of foundations, non-profits, and social enterprises to solve complex societal problems.45

Education and Professional Background

• A.B. from Dartmouth College
• M.P.A. from Harvard Kennedy School
• J.D. from Case Western Reserve School of Law
• M.F.A. from Lesley University16

Bildner has over 30 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining DRK, he spent 22 years in the private sector, including serving as CEO of two public companies and as a consultant at Deloitte.34

Board Memberships and Affiliations

Bildner serves on numerous boards, including:

• Trustee of The Kresge Foundation and chair of its Investment Committee
• Board member of various non-profit organizations such as Public Citizen Foundation, Education SuperHighway, and the Healthy Americas Foundation
• Board member of arts and culture institutions including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Pérez Art Museum Miami12

He is also a member of Young Presidents Organization and the Chief Executives Organization.1

Research and Teaching

At Harvard Kennedy School, Bildner's research focuses on:

• The role of private capital in solving public problems
• Extending the capacity of foundations to solve complex societal issues
• Sustainability of public and private systems when governments disinvest5

He is a nationally recognized lecturer and speaker on nonprofit organizations, social enterprise, and the role of philanthropy in addressing complex societal issues.5