WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 25, 2018—The Heritage Foundation today formally installed Barb Van Andel-Gaby as the new chairman of its Board of Trustees. Van Andel-Gaby, who previously served as vice chairman, was unanimously elected in May.

“I have had the blessing of calling Barb a friend for many years and know few people who are better prepared for the challenge and the opportunity to chair the Heritage Board of Trustees,” said Kay Coles James, president of The Heritage Foundation.

“Barb and her entire family have had a generational impact on policy and countless lives through their prosperous businesses and their generosity,” James added. “I am confident that freedom in America has a bright future as I look forward to many more years working alongside Barb.”

Van Andel-Gaby joined the Heritage Board of Trustees in 1996, and was elected vice chairman of the board in 2014. She is the first woman to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees.

“I am honored and excited to take up the gavel at Heritage,” Van Andel-Gaby said. “I know of no other institution that has so profoundly affected public policy over the last four decades, and I am convinced no other institution is better equipped to guide America to a future with even greater freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

“It has been a privilege to serve alongside [outgoing chairman] Tom Saunders,” she added. “I thank him for all he has done for Heritage and look forward to his continuing guidance as a board member. And I can’t wait to get to work, hand in hand, with Kay Coles James, a personal friend and a great American.”

In addition to her service at Heritage, Van Andel-Gaby is a member of the board of directors of Alticor, the parent company of Amway. She previously served as vice president of Amway Hotel Corp. and as CEO of Peter Island Resorts. She retired from this position in 2006.

Her predecessor, Thomas A. Saunders III has been working with Van Andel-Gaby since May to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Saunders served as chairman for nearly a decade.

“It has been my privilege and honor to serve as chairman, and I look forward to remaining an active and engaged member of the Board of Trustees,” Saunders said. “I take this step with great confidence knowing that we have a stellar leadership team in place at Heritage with Barb as chairman, Kay Coles James as president, and Kim Holmes as the executive vice president. With these proven conservative leaders and experts at the helm, Heritage is in good hands.”

The Heritage Foundation is the nation’s most broadly supported public policy research institute, with more than a half-million donors. Founded in 1973, it develops and promotes public policy solutions that advance free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional values and a strong national defense.