Don Gips

Don’s career spans the highest levels of government, business, and philanthropy. From 2019-2025, he served as CEO of the Skoll Foundation, where he evolved the organization’s strategy to focus on existential challenges including mobilizing climate action and strengthening health systems. He is now a strategic counselor and CEO Emeritus at the foundation and a senior advisor to numerous companies, philanthropies, and NGOs. 

Don’s public service career is highlighted by his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa (2009–2013), where he received the Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service. He has had multiple White House tours, including serving as director of presidential personnel and chief domestic policy advisor to the vice president, and was a key architect of the AmeriCorps national service program. In the private sector, he was a partner at Albright Stonebridge Group, leading its Africa practice, and served as head of corporate development at Level 3 Communications.

Don has an MBA from the Yale School of Management and an undergraduate degree from Harvard University.