FORMER SENATE MAJORITY LEADER THOMAS A. DASCHLE APPOINTED CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE 

 

The National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) Board of Directors has selected former Senator Thomas A. Daschle as its new Chair. As the NDI family continues to mourn the passing of founding Vice Chair and long-time Board Chair Madeleine K. Albright, Senator Daschle will guide the Institute forward in our next chapter, at this pivotal point for global democracy. 

“Madeleine Albright was present at NDI’s creation almost four decades ago, and she has led this organization since 2001. It has been my tremendous honor to serve with her as one of NDI’s Vice Chairs for more than a decade,” said Senator Daschle. “While no one can ever replace her, the work of the Institute must go on. I am humbled and honored to serve as Chair to maintain NDI’s continuity and strength in the vital work we do.” 

Senator Daschle served in the United States Senate from 1987 to 2005, representing his home state of South Dakota. He is the only senator in U.S. history to have served twice as Majority and Minority Leader. Senator Daschle is co-founder of the Bipartisan Policy Center, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Center for American Progress. He is Founder and CEO of The Daschle Group. 

“Secretary Albright’s contributions to NDI are unparalleled, and her legacy and vision for us will guide the Institute for as long as NDI exists,” said NDI President Derek Mitchell. “But she would want NDI to get back to work with urgency and carry on without missing a beat. 

“I am grateful that Senator Daschle has agreed to serve as Chair at this pivotal moment for the Institute. We are truly fortunate to have the prospect of someone of Tom's stature and moral authority lead the organization at this time, and I look forward to working closely with him to tackle the challenges ahead facing the promotion and protection of democracy around the world.” 

NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all. 

NDI has established the Madeleine K. Albright Democracy Fund to honor Secretary Albright’s legacy and support NDI’s efforts to uphold the principles our late Chair held most dear in her life – protection of democracy worldwide and every individual’s equal right to a voice in their future. The fund will focus on building democratic solidarity across cultures and borders, and respond urgently to the rise of authoritarianism around the world.