Celebrating the Leadership of Michael Rich

After more than a decade as RAND's president and CEO, and more than 45 years with the organization, Michael Rich is stepping down this year. To honor his many achievements, RAND hosted an event on March 23 in Washington, D.C. RAND supporters and friends gathered at the United States Institute of Peace to share well-wishes with Michael and celebrate his contributions to RAND.

Rich, who became RAND's fifth president in 2011, began his RAND career as a summer intern in 1975 and went on to hold a number of senior leadership positions. He has helped RAND become a leading source of expertise, analysis, and evidence-based ideas. As president and CEO, he has focused on extending the impact of RAND's work, broadening its legacy of innovation, and helping decisionmakers stay ahead of the curve on critical concerns—tackling such policy challenges as health care costs, international security, the COVID-19 pandemic, and gun policy in America. He has personally co-led research efforts to address Truth Decay—the diminishing role of facts and analysis in public life—and spearheaded Tomorrow Demands Today, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in RAND's history.

If you would like to make a gift to the RAND President's Fund in honor of Michael Rich and share your well-wishes with him, you can do so here.

View photos from the event