January 10: Jamie Merisotis, CEO, Lumina Foundation

Indianapolis’ own Kurt Vonnegut once wondered aloud, “Do we need a Secretary of the Future?” Vonnegut Scholar and ‘Marketplace’ host David Brancaccio, has explored the topic extensively, on the need for global leadership to promote our environmental, educational and economic safety and growth. Jamie Merisotis will explore the role of futurism and leadership in addressing America’s talent and workforce needs, and how postsecondary education might just need a “Secretary of the Future” itself.

Jamie Merisotis is a globally recognized leader in philanthropy, higher education, and public policy. Since 2008, he has served as president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. and a driving force for increasing Americans’ success in higher education. He previously served as co-founder and president of the nonpartisan, Washington, DC-based Institute for Higher Education Policy, and as executive director of a bipartisan national commission on college affordability appointed by the President and Congressional leaders. Merisotis is the author of the highly-regarded 2015 book America Needs Talent, published by RosettaBooks.