An Evening with John Bridgeland
Making America More Perfect: The Power of Public Service
Join us at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for an inspiring evening with John Bridgeland, a nationally respected leader in public service, civic engagement, and bipartisan problem-solving.
Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of government and the nonprofit sector, Bridgeland will explore how public service—across lines of difference—can help make America “more perfect.” From expanding national service after 9/11 to strengthening democracy, improving education outcomes, and mobilizing citizens to meet shared challenges, his work demonstrates the enduring power of service to unite communities and advance the common good.
A former Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council and founder of multiple initiatives focused on democracy, service, and social impact, Bridgeland brings a unique cross-partisan perspective rooted in character, action, and hope.
This timely conversation reflects the values that defined President Gerald R. Ford’s life and leadership: integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to serving others. Attendees will leave with renewed insight into how individual and collective service can strengthen our democracy and shape a better future.
Details on Attending
Where
Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
When
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Program: 6:30 p.m.
Program Supporters
In partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum and the Secchia Family Foundation, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is proud to bring John Bridgeland to Grand Rapids.
Watch the Livestream
About JOHN BRIDGELAND
Founder & CEO, More Perfect & Former Director, White House Domestic Policy Council
John Bridgeland is Executive Chairman of the Office of American Possibilities, a civic moonshot factory that taps the entrepreneurial talent of Americans to solve public challenges together across divides. In that capacity, he is Founder & CEO of More Perfect, a bipartisan initiative with 43 Presidential Centers and other partners to protect and renew American democracy by advancing 5 foundational Democracy Goals; Co-Founder & CEO of the COVID Collaborative; and Co-Founder & Co-Chairman of Welcome.US to engage Americans in supporting the resettlement of Afghan, Ukrainian and other refugees. Bridgeland is also Founding CEO & Vice Chairman of Malaria No More launched at the White House Summit on Malaria he co-led. Since 2001, more than 14 million lives have been saved from malaria.
He has led efforts on the high school dropout crisis for 20 years, with his report, The Silent Epidemic, sparking major media attention, a civic marshal plan, and co-leadership of the Grad Nation campaign with General Colin Powell. His work was featured on the August 2024 cover of the Stanford Social Innovation Review. Graduation rates rose from 71% in 2001 to 86.5% in 2020, resulting in over 5 million more graduates.
Bridgeland was appointed by President George W. Bush as Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council and first Director of the Freedom Corps after 9/11, which expanded national service opportunities to the highest levels then and since. President Obama appointed Bridgeland to the White House Council for Community Solutions in 2010. A Harvard honors graduate in government, he also studied in Europe as a Rotary International Fellow and earned a J.D. from the University of Virginia. He holds honorary degrees and has given commencement addresses at half a dozen colleges, including the College of William and Mary and Johns Hopkins University.
He lives with his wife in McLean, Virginia, and has three children.
