Dear friends and colleagues,

Earlier this year I informed the Population Institute Board of Directors of my desire to step down as president by June 2021. In the interest of ensuring a smooth transition, the Board recently launched a search process for a new president. I am highly confident that the search will be successful in recruiting a replacement that will carry on the critically important work of the organization and expand its impact.

My decision to retire was not an easy one, but having worked non-stop in Washington for more than four decades, including 12 years for the Population Institute, I think it is time for a change. While I hope to remain active in my support of the causes I believe in, including the work of the Population Institute, I look forward to taking on new challenges and pursuits.

This is, I believe, an opportune time for new leadership at the Population Institute, which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary. We live in a world fraught with peril, but also bursting with potential. Despite all the challenges and the setbacks, there is genuine cause for hope. Change is in the air. Progress is still possible, and transformative change is still within reach.

The Population Institute has long envisioned a world where girls and women achieve full gender equality; all women have access to reproductive health services, every child is a wanted child, and where global population is brought into balance with a healthy global environment and resource base. With its highly capable staff and distinguished Board of Directors, I am highly confident that the Population Institute will, under its new leadership, make a significant contribution to the ultimate realization of that vision.

I am immensely proud of what the Population Institute has been able to accomplish during my tenure. I hope that I have contributed in some way to its success, but much of the credit goes to the staff, the Board of Directors, and all the individuals and foundations that have supported our work.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Population Institute. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to my remaining few months on the job.

Sincerely,

Robert Walker
President

The Population Institute has retained Korn Ferry to assist in the recruitment of a new president. Anyone interested in being considered for the position should apply here.