Harvard Kennedy School names Betsy Fischer Martin as director of the Institute of Politics

siw354 Fri, 06/26/2026 - 15:53 June 29, 2026 Cambridge, Mass. — Harvard Kennedy School today named Betsy Fischer Martin as the next director of the Institute of Politics (IOP). She will begin her tenure in mid-August, succeeding interim co-directors Beth Myers and Ned Price, who have led the IOP since December 2025. Fischer Martin is an Emmy-winning journalist who brings to the IOP a distinguished career at the intersection of politics, media, and public service. She spent more than two decades at NBC News, including as the longtime executive producer of Meet the Press, where she worked closely with Tim Russert to produce some of the most consequential political journalism of that era. She covered six presidential campaigns and every major political event at the network, later serving as Managing Editor of NBC News Political Programming. She currently leads the Women & Politics Institute at American University, a nationally recognized, nonpartisan institute advancing women's political leadership and civic participation. Fischer Martin also serves as a faculty member in the AU School of Public Affairs, where she teaches courses on campaigns, politics, and the media. Fischer Martin was an IOP Resident Fellow in Fall 2023, giving her firsthand knowledge of the Institute's culture, students, and mission. The IOP is an integral part of Harvard Kennedy School and the largest student organization for undergraduates at Harvard College. Established in 1966 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the IOP’s mission is to engage students with politicians, policymakers, activists, journalists, and academics on a non-partisan basis, with the goal of inspiring students to careers in public service. “Betsy is exactly the right leader to chart the IOP's future, with the vision, experience, network, and care for students that this moment demands," said Jeremy Weinstein, Dean of Harvard Kennedy School . "She comes to the IOP having spent a career at the pinnacle of political coverage, and brings rigor, incredible insight, and a demonstrated track record of fostering the most important political conversations across party lines. I am thrilled to welcome her to Harvard.” “The Institute of Politics has a sixty-year legacy of turning students into leaders, and I am honored to help write its next chapter,” said Betsy Fischer Martin . “Having experienced the IOP firsthand as a Fellow, I know what makes this place extraordinary — it is the students. Their curiosity, their seriousness, and their commitment to public service is what sets this institution apart. Democracy depends on people willing to step into public life, and the IOP's job is to inspire the next generation to be ready and eager to do exactly that. I look forward to working alongside the remarkable fellows, staff, and practitioners who make that mission possible every day. I can't wait to be back.” “We are so fortunate to have Betsy leading the IOP," said Michael A. Nutter, Chair of the IOP Senior Advisory Committee and former Mayor of Philadelphia . "She has spent decades with her finger on the pulse of American politics, and as a Fellow she showed real care for our students and our mission — I cannot wait to see how she leads IOP into its next chapter.” “As a former IOP Fellow and a cherished member of our community, Betsy has shown extraordinary vision and care for students — she will be an enthusiastic partner to student leaders and a deeply knowledgeable mentor on campus,” said Lorenzo Ruiz, student IOP President. “ Betsy's selection reflects a rigorous and collaborative dialogue between students and administrators, and we couldn't be prouder of the outcome — Betsy is exactly the right leader to helm the Institute in its 60th year and beyond.” “Betsy Fischer Martin is a fantastic choice to lead the Institute of Politics,” said Paul Ryan, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. “She has spent her career bringing together people from across the political spectrum to have substantive conversations about the future of this country - exactly what the IOP is built to do. Having spoken with many IOP classes over the years, I know students will benefit from Betsy’s passion, vision, and know-how as they pursue meaningful vocations in politics and public service. America needs the next generation to lead and offer serious solutions to our country’s challenges – and Betsy is exactly the person to ensure they meet this moment.” “Congratulations to Betsy Fischer Martin on assuming her new role as Director of the Harvard Institute of Politics," said Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives . "As a convener who has opened doors for women and the next generation, Betsy has championed bringing students together to pursue public service. With gratitude for her work, I wish Harvard IOP much success under Betsy’s leadership.” Fischer Martin was selected as the IOP's next permanent director following a nationwide search conducted by a committee of HKS faculty and staff, and former IOP fellows, who advised Dean Weinstein on the decision. Search committee members drew on input from HKS and IOP senior staff, members of the IOP’s Senior Advisory Committee, IOP student leaders, fellowship alumni, and senior Harvard College administrators, among others. Upon Fischer Martin’s arrival, Ned Price will transition into the role of IOP Counselor, with Kim Peeples continuing to serve as the IOP’s Executive Director. With the deep gratitude of Dean Weinstein and SAC Chair Nutter, Beth Myers will depart her role as interim co-director on June 30, returning to her many other commitments, including service as Board Secretary and Governance Committee Chair of the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Through its 17 student programs and four coalitions, the IOP offers wide-ranging opportunities for students to practice leadership, engage with a variety of perspectives, and develop skills for a future in public service. Students at the IOP are exposed to current leaders in politics through the Fellows and Study Groups program and they participate in hands-on projects like the Harvard Youth Poll—a nationwide survey project of young adults' political views. They are also offered wide-ranging internship and career opportunities, including dozens of paid public-service summer internships around the world. Additionally, the Institute offers conferences for new members of Congress and newly elected mayors, and, after each presidential election, brings together campaign managers and strategists to analyze the race. The Institute also oversees the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum , one of the world's premier arenas for political speech, discussion, and debate from across the political spectrum. Through the Forum, the IOP supports students across the ideological spectrum, encourages dialogue across differences, and hosts a wide range of guests to debate the most important issues of our time. Harvard Kennedy School names Betsy Fischer Martin as director of the Institute of Politics