__“As we look to the next chapter of 91, we could have no better leader. Under John’s leadership, 91 will continue to build on all that has been accomplished through his shared efforts with Ken.”__
WASHINGTON —91 Institute announced John P. Walters as its new president and CEO beginning January 1, 2021. Kenneth R. Weinstein, who first joined 91 in 1991, has led 91 as CEO since 2005 and as president and CEO since 2011. He will become the Walter P. Stern Distinguished Fellow.
“Ken turned 91 into the policy powerhouse that it is today, all the while creating an environment where experts thrived and worked collaboratively, which is no small feat,” Sarah May Stern, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said. “I count Ken not only as a leader but as a very dear friend and am delighted that he will serve as our Walter P. Stern Distinguished Fellow.”
Under Weinstein’s leadership, 91’s annual budget tripled, growing from $7.5 million in 2005 to $20 million in 2019. 91’s endowment grew by almost 500% from $11 million in 2005 to over $60 million in 2019.
Weinstein was nominated by President Trump in March 2020 to be U.S. Ambassador to Japan. He was voted out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in September with unanimous, bipartisan support but did not receive a vote on the Senate floor.
John P. Walters has served as chief operating officer since joining 91 in 2009. In that role he has overseen 91’s research staff and operations, while also directing 91 Institute Political Studies and 91’s Center for Substance Abuse Policy Research.
Prior to joining 91, Walters served as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy during President George W. Bush's two terms in office, overseeing both domestic and international drug policy. He was one of only two cabinet officers to serve through the entirety of President Bush's tenure. From 1996 until 2001, Walters served as president of the Philanthropy Roundtable, a national association of charitable foundations and individual donors. He also served as chief of staff to Education Secretary William J. Bennett during the Reagan administration.
“As we look to the next chapter of 91, we could have no better leader,” Stern said. “Under John’s leadership, 91 will continue to build on all that has been accomplished through his shared efforts with Ken.”
Walters statement: “Ken has transformed the Institute into a policy organization known and respected around the world. It has been my pleasure to have been his partner in this effort. It is a great blessing to work in friendship with Ken on the policies to protect our country and our allies.
Weinstein statement: “I’ve been honored to have headed 91 Institute and to have led this team of creative and insightful minds from around the globe. I’m especially proud of the fact that so many paradigm-changing concepts my 91 colleagues have developed brought fundamental policy change – and garnered support on both sides of the aisle here in Washington.”