James Kvaal
Kvaal, who will begin his new role Dec. 8, will oversee the foundation's grantmaking strategy in education and democracy — areas central to Carnegie's mission of reducing political polarization in the United States.
"James brings deep expertise and decades of experience at the highest levels of government, along with a belief in the power of education to transform lives," said Dame Louise Richardson, Carnegie's president and former head of Oxford University.
As under secretary from 2021 to 2025, Kvaal managed a staff of 1,700 people overseeing $35 billion in annual grants and more than $1 trillion in outstanding student loans. Under his leadership, the Education Department implemented regulatory and operational changes that resulted in loan forgiveness for more than 5 million borrowers, including those in public service and individuals with permanent disabilities.
Before joining the Biden administration, Kvaal served as president of The Institute for College Access & Success, a nonprofit focused on higher education affordability and equity. He also held positions on the White House economics and domestic policy staff during the Obama administration, including as deputy domestic policy adviser from 2013 to 2016.
In his new role, Kvaal will guide grantmaking aimed at strengthening social cohesion and public trust in institutions. The foundation's priorities include advancing socioeconomic mobility, promoting civic learning and participation, supporting legal pathways for immigrant integration and encouraging voter participation.
"Over the past century, Carnegie's investments in education and democracy have immeasurably improved the daily lives of millions of Americans," Kvaal said. "Today its work is as needed as ever."
Kvaal holds a bachelor's degree with honors in public policy from Stanford University and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
