David D. Hiller
The Robert R. McCormick Foundation (RRMF) recently announced the retirement of its president and CEO, David D. Hiller.
During his almost 11 years at the helm of the Chicago-based foundation, Hiller oversaw a large organizational expansion with more than $450 million in new investments into Illinois communities and families. Under his leadership, the foundation spearheaded early childhood care and education improvement initiatives, civics education reform and established a state-wide veterans’ family support program.
Hiller came to RRMF in July of 2009 from the publishing industry, having just served as publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Times for about two years. Prior to that, he led the Chicago Tribune Media Group under the same titles.
With an education that includes a bachelor’s degree in economics and a JD, both from Harvard University, Hiller spent some time in the field of law. He was a partner at Sidley Austin, a Chicago law firm before going into public service. He would serve for two years at the U. S. Department of Justice as Special Assistant to Attorney General William French Smith and as Associate Deputy Attorney General. He also worked as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Hiller first ventured into the publishing industry by serving as general counsel for Tribune Publishing Company. While there, he branched out from his law duties and became senior vice president of strategy and development as well as serving in some other executive roles. Now, his career as an executive is highlighted by his nearly 11 exceptional years leading RRMF.
“David Hiller led the Foundation through a time of remarkable growth and change,” said Dennis FitzSimons, Chair of the McCormick Foundation board in a news release about the retirement. “We are grateful to David and his team for their passion and commitment to Chicagoland. Their work with our community partners has helped tens of thousands of families and children.”
Hiller is to be succeeded by Timothy P. Knight, former president and CEO of Tribune Publishing Company. Knight begins his tenure leading the Robert R. McCormick Foundation on March 30.
