JEFF WALKER
Chairman at New Profit
About
Jeff Walker serves as the Chairman of New Profit, a leading venture philanthropy organization dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurs. With a focus on impact investing, he helps drive capital and strategic support to innovative solutions addressing pressing societal challenges. His work at New Profit aims to scale organizations that create lasting positive change across various sectors.
Experience
Deep Dive
Jeff Walker stands as a prominent figure in the world of social impact, currently serving as the distinguished Chairman of New Profit. New Profit is a pioneering venture philanthropy organization that provides financial and strategic support to a diverse portfolio of social entrepreneurs. In his leadership role, Jeff Walker is instrumental in guiding New Profit's mission to unleash the power of social innovation, helping to scale organizations that are tackling some of society's most complex problems. His vision emphasizes the critical role of impact investing in driving sustainable, systemic change.
Under Jeff Walker's guidance, New Profit focuses on identifying and backing visionary leaders who are developing breakthrough solutions in areas such as education, economic mobility, public health, and democracy. The organization's unique model combines unrestricted grants with strategic capacity-building support, enabling social entrepreneurs to grow their impact and reach. While New Profit's "investments" are in the form of grants and support to non-profits and social enterprises, the philosophy mirrors venture capital, seeking high-potential initiatives that can achieve significant societal returns. Organizations supported by New Profit under his tenure have included transformative entities working to improve educational outcomes, foster workforce development, and enhance community well-being across the United States.
Before dedicating his efforts to venture philanthropy, Jeff Walker built an impressive career in the financial sector. He was a co-founder and former CEO of CCMP Capital, a prominent private equity firm that spun out of JP Morgan Partners. His extensive experience in private equity provided him with a deep understanding of scaling organizations, strategic growth, and effective capital deployment—skills he now leverages to amplify social impact. This background uniquely positions him to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the world of social good, advocating for market-based approaches to philanthropy.
Beyond his work at New Profit, Jeff Walker is actively involved in several other influential organizations. He previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which oversees Monticello. He also contributes his expertise to the boards of The Bridgespan Group, a leading non-profit consulting firm, and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. An accomplished author, he co-authored "The Generosity Network: New Profit's Guide to Giving and Getting What You Want," further solidifying his thought leadership in philanthropy and social change. Through his multifaceted career, Jeff Walker continues to champion innovative approaches to philanthropy and investment, driving significant progress towards a more equitable and prosperous society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jeff Walker invest in?
As Chairman of New Profit, Jeff Walker is involved in supporting social entrepreneurs and innovative organizations through venture philanthropy. New Profit provides grants and strategic support to initiatives focused on areas like education, economic mobility, public health, and democracy, aiming to scale solutions for significant social impact.
Where does Jeff Walker work?
Jeff Walker works as the Chairman of New Profit, a venture philanthropy organization. He also serves on the boards of other influential organizations such as The Bridgespan Group and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.