Don Gips: A Career in Diplomacy, Public Policy, and Social Entrepreneurship
Donald Henry Gips is a distinguished American leader whose career spans the highest levels of government service, international diplomacy, and philanthropic leadership. From shaping domestic policy in the White House to representing the United States in Africa and leading a global foundation for social change, Gips has consistently operated at the intersection of public service and strategic management.
Key Facts
- Diplomatic Service: Served as the United States Ambassador to South Africa from 2009 to 2013.
- Philanthropic Leadership: Former CEO of the Skoll Foundation (2019–2025).
- Government Roles: Former Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office and Chief Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Al Gore.
- Education: Holds degrees from Harvard University (BA) and Yale University (MBA).
- Strategic Expertise: Former principal and lead of the Africa practice at Albright Stonebridge Group.
Diplomatic and Government Service
Don Gips' tenure in public service is marked by several high-profile appointments under the Obama administration. On June 4, 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Gips as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa. Following his Senate confirmation on July 7, 2009, he presented his credentials to President Jacob Zuma on October 1, 2009, serving in this capacity until January 2, 2013.
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Prior to his ambassadorship, Gips played a critical role in the early stages of the Obama administration as the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office from January 20, 2009, to July 2009. He also contributed his expertise to the presidential transition team as a member of the advisory board.
Earlier Public Policy Roles
Gips' experience in government extends back to the late 1990s, where he served as the Chief Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Al Gore. Additionally, he held a significant regulatory role as the chief of the international bureau for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the independent agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
Leadership in the Private and Philanthropic Sectors
Beyond government, Gips has held several executive positions in the corporate and strategic sectors. He served as a principal at the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategic advisory firm, where he specifically led the firm's Africa practice, leveraging his diplomatic experience to guide strategic interests on the continent.
In the corporate realm, Gips served as the Divisional Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development for Level 3 Communications and held a position as Director of Mindspeed Technologies.
The Skoll Foundation
In February 2019, it was announced that Gips would succeed Sally Osberg as the CEO of the Skoll Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurs. He officially assumed the role on April 9, 2019, during the annual Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship. Gips led the foundation until June 1, 2025, when he was succeeded by Marla Blow.
Professional and Personal Profile
Gips' academic foundation includes studies at the Princeton Day School, a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Yale School of Management.
He is married to Elizabeth Berry, and they have three children: Sam, Peter, and Ben.
| Period | Role | Organization/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s | Chief Domestic Policy Advisor | Office of the Vice President (Al Gore) |
| Jan 2009 – July 2009 | Director | White House Presidential Personnel Office |
| Oct 2009 – Jan 2013 | U.S. Ambassador | Republic of South Africa |
| Apr 2019 – June 2025 | CEO | Skoll Foundation |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Don Gips serve as the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa?
Don Gips served as the United States Ambassador to South Africa from October 1, 2009, until January 2, 2013.
What is Don Gips' educational background?
He is a graduate of the Princeton Day School, Harvard College (BA), and the Yale School of Management (MBA).
Which foundation did Don Gips lead as CEO?
Don Gips served as the CEO of the Skoll Foundation from April 9, 2019, until June 1, 2025.
What role did he play in the Obama administration besides being an ambassador?
He served as the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office and was a member of the advisory board for President Obama's presidential transition team.
What was his role with the Albright Stonebridge Group?
He was a principal at the firm and led its Africa practice.