Richard Barth assumed the role of president of the Robertson Foundation in 2022. Founded by the late Julian and Josie Robertson, the foundation looks to maximize the impact of its efforts by making large, transformative grants that leverage the foundation’s resources beyond the immediate funds committed; it seeks measurable outcomes in either the intermediate or longer term. The foundation currently makes grants in three principal areas within the United States: 1) education 2) environment and 3) medical research. As opportunities emerge, the foundation has provided grants in other areas of interest.
Prior to the Robertson Foundation, Mr. Barth served as the CEO of the KIPP Foundation—a position which he had held since 2005. As CEO of the KIPP Foundation, Mr. Barth has led the growth of the KIPP network, which has grown from 45 to 270 schools, from 8,000 to over 110,000 students, and from 400 to 40,000 alumni since 2005. During this period, KIPP also dramatically expanded KIPP’s leadership development programs, advocated for high performing charter schools on Capitol Hill, and secured partnerships with over 100 colleges and universities.
Mr. Barth came to KIPP from Edison Schools, where he served as President of District Partnerships. Prior to joining Edison, he was one of the founding staff members of Teach For America.
Mr. Barth earned a BA in American History from Harvard University and is an Aspen Institute-New Schools Fellow. He currently serves as the chair of the Braven board of directors and previously served on the board of the Broad Center. Mr. Barth was named a 2014 Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Harvard University’s Chief Marshal for 2014. Mr. Barth lives in New York with his wife and children.