Former Newton Mayor Named Director At Harvard Institute Of Politics

NEWTON, MA – Former two-term Newton mayor Setti D. Warren has been named the next director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, Dean Douglas Elmendorf announced Tuesday.

Established in 1966 as a memorial to president John F. Kennedy, the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to “unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service,” according to their website.

Warren was Newton mayor for two terms from 2010 to 2018, where he was the first African American to be popularly elected mayor in Massachusetts.

Warren comes to the Institute with a history of work in public service, including appointments in the White House, U.S. Senate, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. He also served a 9-year-long military service as a U.S. Naval intelligence specialist, which included a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq in 2008.

“I am delighted that Setti Warren has accepted the position of IOP Director,” Elmendorf said in a news release. “He has had an accomplished career in public service, including both civilian and military service at the national level as well as extensive service in local government. With his commitment to Harvard’s students and his dedication to working with them, the future of the IOP is very bright.”

Warren has served as interim director at the Institute of Politics since 2022, and succeeds former director Mark Gearan.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this important and storied institution,” Warren said in the news release.