Hiram E. Chodosh has been named president and chief executive of the National Constitution Center, the organization announced on Thursday. He will be the center’s first permanent leader since Jeffrey Rosen’s unexpected departure in January following a management dispute with the board. Chodosh, who served as president of Claremont McKenna College until June, is set to begin his new role in January.

The National Constitution Center, a private nonprofit near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, was established by Congress in 1988 with the goal of fostering public understanding of the U.S. Constitution through nonpartisan education and discourse. Its activities include operating a museum, producing educational materials, and hosting lectures and events, such as this year’s presentation of the Liberty Medal to Pope Leo XIV. The center’s outreach programs reached 6.1 million students last year.

At Claremont McKenna, Chodosh was recognized for initiatives promoting free speech and civil dialogue, including the Open Academy, which emphasized viewpoint diversity. He also oversaw a nearly $1.1 billion fundraising campaign, one of the largest for a liberal arts college.

Mike George, president of the center’s board, described Chodosh as a “transformational leader” capable of inspiring people and securing partnerships to advance the institution’s mission. Rosen retains the title of chief executive emeritus. Vince Stango, who had served as interim president during the leadership transition, will continue as deputy chief executive and co-president.

Chodosh acknowledged the significant polarization in the United States but suggested the division may not be as deep as commonly perceived. He cited data indicating that most Americans do not support extreme partisan behavior and expressed optimism about appealing to a more moderate majority often overlooked in public discourse.

The center’s museum features notable exhibits, including a rare original Constitution printing and a display on Pennsylvania’s 1776 state constitution, which established a uniquely democratic government structure with a single legislative chamber and broad voting rights for taxpaying men over 21. This level of democracy alarmed many founders, contributing to the eventual replacement of the state constitution in 1790 and influencing the design of the U.S. Constitution, with its checks and balances.

Chodosh assumes leadership amid ongoing national discussion about the future of American democracy and perceived threats to constitutional governance. Responding to calls for the center to engage more actively in current political debates, he emphasized maintaining the center’s strict nonpartisan stance. He stated his role focuses on building a foundation of education, ethical commitment, and mutual respect to help society navigate complex challenges.

“The museum invites people to put themselves in the founders’ shoes,” Chodosh said, encouraging visitors to consider how early Americans might have addressed contemporary issues.