Gleaves Whitney became executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation in 2020, becoming the fourth person to lead the organization dedicated to advancing the legacy of America’s 38th President. During his tenure Gleaves has expanded the capacity of the Ford to reach and teach more people than ever before. Under his supervision, the DeVos Learning Center now regularly engages elementary and secondary students in West Michigan and beyond; it also stewards the legacies of President and Mrs. Ford through programs for Scouting America and Girl Scouts. Gleaves launched the Ford Leadership Forum in 2022 which now facilitates coast-to-coast programs from Washington, DC, to Palm Desert, CA. His “American Conversations” events showcase the impact the Ford Presidency continues to have on America and the world. Gleaves has also established the first institutional advancement office in the Foundation’s history.

“Gleaves has a strong background developing successful collaborations and partnerships, which will be beneficial for the Foundation’s relationships with the National Archives and Records Administration, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Library, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, as well as Grand Rapids community and nationwide entities,” said Foundation Chair Mike Ford, son of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford.

Gleaves previously directed the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies (2003–2020), where he launched the nation’s first sustained common ground initiative in higher education, co-led the revival of Midwestern history through conferences and publications, and created the first presidential Q&A column, “Ask Gleaves.” Under his leadership, the Cook Leadership Academy became a premier program, connecting fellows with U.S. presidents, first ladies, vice presidents, cabinet officials, governors, and entrepreneurs.

While at the Hauenstein Center, Gleaves also established the Hidden Wounds of War initiative to bring healthcare providers together with our men and women in uniform who suffer from PTSD.

“Gleaves Whitney is a real treasure for those of us who do presidential studies and work in the field of presidential history,” said award-winning biographer H. W. Brands. “He’s also one of the most effective entrepreneurs in the business of higher education. You can tell this by the growth of the Hauenstein Center over the years that he’s been the director.”

Noted historian Richard Norton Smith said that "Gleaves Whitney and his energetic team at the Hauenstein Center have become, in a remarkably short time, a force to reckon with — and learn from — in the presidential studies field. The Hauenstein Center is a jewel in the crown of Michigan."

Gleaves also served more than a decade in Michigan Governor John Engler’s administration. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Colorado State University, he earned an MA in history at the University of Michigan and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2006 from the Graduate Theological Union's Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, CA.

Contact Gleaves