Photo Abigail S. Fisher

President Tom Becker

PHOTO MARIE B. HO

Tom Becker became the 17th President of Chautauqua Institution in November of 2003. Chautauqua Institution which was founded in 1874, represents a singular expression of the value of lifelong learning through its unique programming in education, religion, the arts and recreation. A place, removed from the day-to-day world, where some of the leading thinkers of our time come to speak to the concerns and issues of today. In this increasingly complex world, Chautauqua’s dedication to civil dialogue and respectful, reasoned debate is more important than ever. Tom Becker joined Chautauqua Institution in 1985 as Vice President of Development for the Institution. In this role and later as Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation he oversaw the growth of the Foundation into a professional fund-raising organization achieving over $100 million in support of the Institution and successfully guided a capital campaign to build and endow the Lenna Hall and the Bratton Theater, among others.

Programmatic initiatives include the 5 year people-to-people exchange with the Soviet Union and the decade long Abrahamic Iniative that promotes dialog among Christian, Muslims and Jews on critical topics. Tom has established partnerships with organizations like Colonial Williamsburg, Sesame Street and National Geographic and partnerships with Ken Burns, Roger Rosenblatt and Sandra Day O’Connor.

The future will move the Institution to the digital age in a cutting edge multi-disciplinary approach to brand management, to viral marketing and to engage a broader population in a civil dialogue on the great issues of the times.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and his Masters in Public Administration from Indiana University. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. In 2005, he was awarded the Lifelong Learning Award from Teachers College Columbia University. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE); member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP); and a Director and Investment Chair of the Lincoln Institution of Land Policies. He is the former chair of the Arts Council of Chautauqua County and the Hospice Board of Directors.

He is married to Jane Cleaver Becker and has three daughters, Culleen, Erin and Molly and Granddaughter, Sophia Belle.