John Walters stands as a prominent figure in American public policy, currently serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hudson Institute, a renowned think tank. His extensive career spans across government service, academia, and the non-profit sector, marking him as a seasoned leader with expertise in diverse fields. Since assuming the role of President and CEO in January 2021, John Walters has been instrumental in guiding the Hudson Institute’s research and operations, building upon his prior experience as Chief Operating Officer from 2009 to 2020.
In addition to his overarching leadership of the Hudson Institute, John Walters directly manages key programs within the organization. He directs the Hudson Institute Political Studies, an influential summer fellowship program designed for undergraduate students, fostering the next generation of policy thinkers. Furthermore, his leadership extends to Hudson’s Center for Substance Abuse Policy Research, reflecting his deep engagement with critical national issues. John Walters’ commitment to public service is also evident in his participation in the Independent Review Committee, hosted by the Hudson Institute from 2019 to 2022. This committee played a vital advisory role to the Attorney General and Congress on the crucial implementation of criminal justice reform under the First Step Act.
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John Walters’ distinguished career includes a significant tenure in the highest levels of the U.S. government. From December 2001 to January 2009, under the Bush administration, John Walters served as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), holding a cabinet-level position as the nation’s “drug czar.” In this capacity, John Walters spearheaded all facets of federal drug policy and programs. His leadership at ONDCP yielded significant positive outcomes, including a notable 25 percent reduction in teen drug use. Moreover, under John Walters’ direction, there was a substantial increase in substance abuse treatment and screening within the healthcare system, alongside a dramatic decrease in the availability of illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine across the United States.
Prior to his national roles, John Walters also made significant contributions to the philanthropic sector. From 1996 to 2001, he served as President of the Philanthropy Roundtable, a national organization supporting charitable foundations and individual donors, demonstrating his ability to lead and connect diverse groups. His earlier government service includes foundational work at the ONDCP, where he served as chief of staff at its inception in 1989 and later as deputy director of supply reduction. Further enriching his public service record, John Walters was Assistant to the Secretary and Chief of Staff at the US Department of Education during the Reagan administration. His commitment to education extends back to the National Endowment for the Humanities, where he served in the Division of Education Programs from 1982 to 1985.
John Walters’ diverse background is also rooted in academia. He has imparted his knowledge and experience as a political science instructor at Michigan State University’s James Madison College and at Boston College, shaping the minds of future leaders. John Walters holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, providing him with a strong academic foundation for his impactful career in public policy and leadership. His continued leadership at the Hudson Institute positions John Walters as a key voice in contemporary policy discussions.
