Our country and our world are changing, but our solutions-oriented, constructive approach to the challenges we face has not. The Bush Institute tackled issues last year including how to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, reform U.S. immigration policy, ensuring Americans are ready for jobs that support themselves and their families, supporting the lifesaving work of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and exposing Taliban abuses.

Throughout 2024, the Bush Center urged America’s leaders to practice acceptance and respect for others. Our Pluralism Challenge series, for example, advocates for civility and compassion when dealing with our fellow citizens.

One of our great successes in bringing diverse voices together continues to be our outstanding leadership programs. It’s exciting to watch the rising leaders in our Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program and the Presidential Leadership Scholars mobilize their networks to address today’s challenges.

We were hugely successful last year in increasing awareness for Check-In, powered by our Veteran Wellness Alliance, which connects veterans and their family members to no-cost, high-quality, compassionate mental and brain health care. Over Veterans Day weekend, a billboard in New York’s Times Square and various media outlets included Check-In in their coverage of President Bush’s annual Veterans Day warrior mountain bike ride at Prairie Chapel Ranch. CBS Sports also covered the program during the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles broadcast that weekend.

Our Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint had an exciting year of unique content, and the Bush Museum hosted visitors from all over the world.

Finally, we’re in strong fiscal shape and well positioned to take on future challenges. Our top-notch team is focused every day on supporting the values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion – values deeply rooted in the philosophies of President and Mrs. Bush.

It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to lead this incredible group of people who are so focused on making the world a better place. Although it is bittersweet, I am thrilled to hand the baton to Dr. Shilo Brooks, the Bush Center’s next President and CEO, on September 1. He is a brilliant scholar on civil discourse, civic literacy, and American political thought.

I look forward to seeing all the great work continue and being able to support the team in a new way. Given my vantage point, I am hugely optimistic about the future. Thank you for your trust and for supporting this amazing organization. We could not do it without you.

Best regards,



Ken Hersh
President and CEO, George W. Bush Presidential Center