Judith Rodin American Doctor of Science, head of the Rockefeller Foundation Date of Birth: 09.09.1944 Country: USA

Biography of Judith Rodin

Judith Rodin, an American scientist, has made significant contributions to the field of education. Since 2005, she has served as the President of the Rockefeller Foundation. From 1994 to 2004, Rodin was the 7th President of the University of Pennsylvania and the first female president of the Ivy League university association.

Judith Rodin, nee Seitz, was born on September 9, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the youngest of two daughters of Morris and Sally Seitz. Rodin graduated with honors from the Philadelphia School for Girls and received a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania. She chose psychology as her major and obtained her bachelor's degree in 1966. Rodin then earned her doctorate from Columbia University in 1970 and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of California, Irvine, a year later. After a brief stint at New York University, she became an adjunct professor at Yale University, where she gained popularity among students for her exceptional lecturing skills. Rodin held several positions at Yale from 1972 to 1994, including chair of the psychology department and provost.

In 1994, Rodin became the first permanent female president of the Ivy League when she assumed the presidency of the University of Pennsylvania. During her tenure, Rodin significantly increased funding for scientific research and philanthropy. She established the Penn Medicine school, which attracted a record number of applicants. Under her leadership, the university established new faculties, created interdisciplinary centers, and developed preparatory programs for students and graduates. Rodin even managed to enlist Bono from the rock band U2 to perform at the university's graduation ceremony in 2004. She has published over 200 articles and chapters in academic publications and authored or co-authored 11 books, including "Public Discourse in America" in 2003.

In March 2005, Rodin took on the role of President of the Rockefeller Foundation. She refocused the foundation's attention on addressing the complex economic challenges of the 21st century. Today, the foundation supports various innovations that promote resilience to risks and economic growth worldwide, guided by the principle of regulated fairness. The foundation's resources primarily aim to meet four key goals: revaluing ecosystems, strengthening health, finding resources for adequate nutrition, and transforming cities. In 2008, Rodin played a role in the Rockefeller Foundation's $59 million investment in the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN). This seven-year project aims to increase attention, mobilize resources, and take measures to enhance climate resilience among the poor and vulnerable population in South Asia.

In 2012, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Rodin as co-chair of the NYS 2100 commission, which focuses on increasing the resilience and durability of the state's infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies.

Judith Rodin is married to Paul R. Verkuil, the former CEO of the American Automobile Association. She was previously married to Bruce Rodin and Nicholas Neijelow. She has one son, Alex, from her previous relationships.