The Independent Institute is pleased to announce that Mary L. G. Theroux has been appointed as Chairman and Chief Executive, and that Graham H. Walker has been appointed as President. Walker has also been elected to Independent’s Board of Directors.

These appointments come in the wake of the sorrowful loss of Independent’s Founder and longtime chief executive David J. Theroux, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last month. As Mary Theroux commented, “no one can replace David’s remarkable vision and extensive knowledge, but we are confident—together with our current Research Director William Shughart, our stellar constellation of Fellows and Advisors, strong and supportive Board, and extraordinary staff—that Independent’s future will endure as a shining beacon of innovative ideas boldly advancing peaceful, prosperous, and free societies, grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity.”

Mary Theroux worked alongside David Theroux since his founding of Independent in 1986, serving as a founding Board member and vice president. Mary serves on the National Advisory Board of The Salvation Army, and has been a director of nine corporations and three foundations. Her business success has been chronicled in Business Week, Forbes, Savvy, Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle. She has authored dozens of policy articles, is co-author of the policy report and upcoming book Beyond Homeless, and produced the accompanying documentary, “Beyond Homeless: Finding Hope.”

Graham Walker has served as Independent’s Executive Director for the past four years, working very closely with David, Mary, and others. Graham holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, is the author of multiple books and articles, and hosts Independent’s online broadcasts Independent Outlook and Independent Conversations. He previously served as a professor of political science in the Ivy League and elsewhere. In executive roles as university dean and college president, he managed multi-million-dollar budgets and spearheaded a variety of strategic initiatives.

Everyone at the Independent Institute deeply appreciates the tremendous outpouring of expressions of love and admiration for David Theroux that we have received over the last few weeks. Graham Walker noted, “We are grateful for the continuing partnership of so many as we turn challenges into opportunities.” Mary Theroux agreed, saying, “There is much worthy work to do!”