Rich Besser — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Serves as President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation since 2017, a national philanthropy focused on health equity.
Member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves on boards for Howard University and Independent Sector.
Served as Chief Health and Medical Editor at ABC News for nearly 8 years.
Worked for 13 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including Acting Director during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
Received the Surgeon General's Medallion for his public health contributions.
Holds a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Biography

Rich Besser is the President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), a leading national philanthropy committed to transforming health and advancing health equity. Since joining in 2017, he has guided RWJF in partnering with communities, practitioners, and institutions through funding, advocacy, and evidence-building efforts.