As chief executive officer of the National Geographic Society, Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler has set a bold vision for one of the world’s most iconic organizations. She leads the Society’s mission-driven work, guiding a global community of National Geographic Explorers — scientists, innovators, educators and storytellers — dedicated to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. She also serves on the Society’s board of trustees.

In 2020, Tiefenthaler made history as the first woman to serve as the Society’s CEO. She launched the Society’s strategic plan, NG Next, ushering in a new era of growth and global impact. She is spearheading the transformation of National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., with the opening of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration — the most significant expansion of the Society’s public space in its 137-year history. Opening in 2026, the museum will connect millions with the organization’s mission and the groundbreaking work of its Explorers.

Under Tiefenthaler’s leadership, the Society has achieved its most ambitious fundraising results, raising over $100 million each of the past three years. She also strengthened the organization’s partnership with The Walt Disney Company and serves on the board of National Geographic Partners, the joint venture between the Society and Disney.

A visionary leader in driving institutional transformation, Tiefenthaler previously spent more than 30 years in higher education. She served as president of Colorado College for nine years, where she led the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the college’s history, created new opportunities for student engagement and led the effort to become a net-zero campus. Earlier in her career, Tiefenthaler was provost at Wake Forest University, and professor of economics and associate dean at Colgate University.

Originally from Iowa, Jill grew up on a farm and worked for her family’s popcorn business before earning her B.A. in economics from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from Duke University.