Jill Tiefenthaler

Jill Tiefenthaler is CEO of the National Geographic Society, overseeing the development and implementation of its mission-driven work and leading its global community of Explorers in its mission to illuminate and protect the world. She sits on the Society’s board of trustees and the board of National Geographic Partners. Previously, Tiefenthaler spent nine years as president of Colorado College, during which time her achievements included helping set a new direction for the school, leading efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, driving increased diversity, and spearheading an external review of racism resulting in an antiracism implementation plan. Before that, Tiefenthaler was provost at Wake Forest University. She began her academic career at Colgate University as a professor of economics. (National Geographic is a 2022 Festival Underwriter)​