Ex-Xerox CEO Ursula Burns Named Chair of Ford Foundation in Historic First.

Former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns has been elected Chair of the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees, marking a historic milestone as the first African American woman to lead the foundation’s board in its nearly 90-year history. Burns, one of the most respected leaders in corporate America and the former CEO of Xerox, will become the Ford Foundation’s 13th board chair, succeeding Dr. Francisco Cigarroa. Known for her groundbreaking career, Burns rose from a Xerox intern to become the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Her appointment highlights her continued influence in business, technology, and philanthropy, while reinforcing the Ford Foundation’s commitment to advancing economic opportunity, education, and social progress worldwide. Industry observers view the move as another major achievement for the former Xerox executive and a positive step for leadership diversity at one of the world’s most influential charitable organizations.