Dr. Don I. Tharpe Named New President and CEO of
the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Washington, DC –The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) today announced that it has named Dr. Don I. Tharpe as its new President and CEO. Dr. Tharpe replaced Weldon J. Rougeau who vacated the position last November. In his new role, Tharpe will oversee management of CBCF’s ongoing efforts to effect positive and sustainable change in targeted communities while strategically positioning the organization to align with key partners who will support its mission and goals.

Tharpe’s career in association management spans more than 25 years. Prior to joining CBCF, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Council on Foundations and was responsible for the management of the Council’s internal operations.

Dr. Tharpe was also Executive Director of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), a position he held for 12 years. Before holding that post, he was ASBO’s director of professional programs.

For more than seven years prior, Tharpe held multiple senior positions at the American Vocational Association (AVA) and before moving to the Washington DC metropolitan area, he was employed at the Missouri State Department of Education as its Director of Trade and Vocational Education.

“We are deeply pleased with our selection,” said Congressman William J. Jefferson. “Don’s impressive management experience is much needed and will play a significant part in CBCF’s ever-increasing success. I’m sure he will be a strong leader as we continue the important work of creating visible impact in both African American and underserved communities around the globe.”

In addition to Dr. Tharpe’s extensive management background, he has written numerous articles on association management and serves on the board of several nonprofit associations. He is a long-time member and has served on the board of the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives. He is also a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and a former vice chair of its board. As well, Tharpe is an ASAE Fellow.

A native of Kentucky, CBCF’s new President and CEO is a graduate of Murray State University (KY) where he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He earned his doctorate in education administration from Virginia Polytechnic & State University in Blacksburg, VA.

The CBCF, established in 1976, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute focused on leadership education, public health, economic development, and African globalism.