NTI Board of Directors Announces 2025 Leadership Transition

After years of dedicated service to NTI’s mission of delivering innovative solutions to reducing nuclear, biological and emerging technology threats, Ernest J. Moniz, co-chair and CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), and Joan Rohlfing, president and COO of NTI, will step down from their roles in 2025. A search for new leadership for the organization is underway.

In messages to NTI’s staff, Board of Directors, and key partners, Moniz and Rohlfing have shared their continuing passion for NTI’s work and mission and their commitment to ensure a smooth transition. Moniz will remain in his CEO and co-chair role until a successor is brought on board and will remain involved with NTI going forward to support the board and new leadership. Rohlfing will depart in June 2025 to create a new company with her son to harness artificial intelligence for nuclear risk reduction.

“Nearly 25 years ago, Ted Turner and I set out to see if a bi-partisan, non-profit organization could make a difference in reducing catastrophic risks,” said former Senator Sam Nunn, co-chair and co-founder of NTI, who served as CEO until 2017. “Ernie and Joan have made major contributions as NTI has proved time and again that significant risk reduction is possible and doable. Because of their expertise and their leadership of a great team, NTI is in a strong position to address the increasingly urgent security issues facing our nation and the world. I am immensely grateful to both Ernie and Joan for their tireless dedication to our shared vision for NTI.”

Moniz joined NTI in 2017 following his service as U.S. Secretary of Energy. Rohlfing is a founding NTI staff member and has served as president since 2010. Over the past eight years, they expanded the organizational mission to address risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies and artificial intelligence at the intersection of nuclear and biosecurity, supported a dynamic biosecurity program, developed a robust partnership to ensure the safe and secure expansion of nuclear energy, expanded the government relations program, and increased the public awareness and engagement needed to tackle today’s nuclear threats.

Prior to Moniz joining NTI, Rohlfing, as senior vice president for programs and operations from 2001 to 2010 and then president, was instrumental to NTI’s signature programs, from the NTI Nuclear Security Index to the partnership of George Shultz, William Perry, Henry Kissinger, and Sam Nunn working for a vision of a world without nuclear weapons to incubating new organizations like the World Institute for Nuclear Security.

The search to replace Moniz and Rohlfing is underway. The Board of Directors has named a committee to identify candidates and select new leadership for NTI. The committee is led by Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN (Ret.), a member of NTI’s Board since 2018.

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to Ernie and Joan. Their vision, dedication, and commitment have laid a durable foundation that will continue to inspire and drive NTI forward,” Mullen said. “As we move ahead with new leadership, we are confident that the groundwork they’ve laid will empower us to tackle this challenging landscape. We are delighted to know that Ernie is willing to stay engaged with NTI in the future. NTI’s mission is more important than ever.”

To inquire further about leadership roles at NTI, or to express interest or nominate potential candidates, please contact Samantha Neakrase at [email protected]