John F. Kirby, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and former senior spokesman for the Pentagon, State Department, and White House, has been named director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics. His appointment will take effect on November 15.
Kirby brings nearly thirty years of military service and extensive experience from working in six presidential administrations. Most recently, he served as White House National Security Communications Advisor from 2022 to 2025. His previous roles include chief spokesman for the Secretary of Defense and leading public affairs at the U.S. State Department.
In a message to the University of Chicago community, President Paul Alivisatos and Provost Katherine Baicker stated: “John’s leadership across multiple parts of government, his expertise in policy, diplomacy, and civic engagement, and his longtime commitment to public service make him exceptionally qualified to carry forward the Institute of Politics’ mission to provide students with the opportunities, mentorship, and perspectives necessary to engage thoughtfully and constructively in civic and political life.”
The Institute of Politics was founded in 2013 as a non-partisan center focused on civic engagement and free expression. It provides students with opportunities to explore careers in public service and participate in discussions about current issues.
Kirby has previously interacted with University of Chicago students through IOP internships in Washington, D.C. He said: “I am thrilled to be joining the incredible team at the University of Chicago and the Institute of Politics. As a military officer and government official, I saw firsthand the outsized impact the IOP’s programs can have in supporting young people who want to pursue careers in public service or simply be engaged citizens. There’s no more critical time for that work than right now, and I can’t wait to get to Chicago and roll up my sleeves.”
He will succeed Heidi Heitkamp, former U.S. senator from North Dakota, who led the IOP from 2023 to 2025. Kirby commented: “Heidi Heitkamp is a tough act to follow. She took the IOP to a whole new level, and I will work hard to live up to her standards.”
In addition to his government experience, Kirby has worked as a military and diplomatic analyst for CNN and lectured at Georgetown University. He holds degrees from the University of South Florida (history), Troy University (international relations), and the U.S. Naval War College (national security studies).
David Axelrod, founding director of the IOP and chair of its board of advisors, said: “I am thrilled to welcome John Kirby as the next director of the IOP. He’s a thoughtful, proven leader, whose lifelong devotion to service, extraordinary experience, and demonstrated commitment to constructive dialogue completely align with our values and mission. We are very lucky to have him.”