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Our Leadership

The Bezos Family Foundation was founded by Jackie and Mike Bezos. Mike serves as the Foundation’s Chairman of the Board alongside other family members who serve as Board Directors.


Miguel “Mike” Bezos

Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors

Mike Bezos often says, “Your education is always yours—once you have it, it cannot be taken away.” Guided by this notion and a deeply held belief that all children deserve an opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society, Mike co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation in 2000 with his late wife, Jackie, and their family, who serve as directors. The Foundation invests in the science of learning and its application to promote positive learning environments for youth, spanning the continuum from prenatal development through high school.

Never shy to fill an unmet need, the Foundation runs two in-house programs: the Bezos Scholars Program, which engages exceptional students and educators in a yearlong leadership development program that amplifies youth voices and action; and Vroom, a global effort that provides free, science-based tips and tools to help parents and caregivers turn everyday routines into brain-building moments.

Mike’s professional career spanned over 32 years with ExxonMobil in various engineering and managerial positions in the U.S. and overseas. A native of Cuba, Mike immigrated to the United States as a teenager and worked his way through the University of Albuquerque, where he completed his undergraduate degree. He currently serves on the board of the Aspen Institute, The National Constitution Center Board of Trustees, and the Advisory Board of With Honor Action. Mike was the recipient of the 2022 Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Award. Mike enjoys spending time with his family, particularly his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Dr. William (Bill) Hite

President

Bill Hite is President of the Bezos Family Foundation, leading efforts to strengthen the learning ecosystem that helps young people reach their full potential.  

Bill’s career has spanned public education, nonprofit leadership, and systems change, including his most recent role as President and CEO of KnowledgeWorks. Throughout his career, from teacher and principal to Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, to Superintendent in Residence at the Broad Center at the Yale School of Management, Bill has worked to expand access and opportunity so all young people can thrive. 

Rooted in listening and partnership, Bill champions a vision for learning that is relevant, well-supported, and responsive to the needs of today’s young people. 

Learn more about Bill Hite joining the Foundation.