The Heritage Foundation’s board of trustees, by a unanimous vote, has asked for and received the resignation of president and CEO Jim DeMint, revealed in an open letter to the organization’s membership released late Tuesday afternoon by board chairman Thomas A. Saunders III.
“The board elected Heritage Founder Ed Feulner as president and CEO while we conduct a thorough search for his successor,” Mr. Saunders wrote, putting an end to several days of speculation about the leadership of the conservative think tank, located just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol.
Mr. DeMint, took over the helm of the organization in 2013 after serving as the U.S. senator from South Carolina for seven years.
“After a comprehensive and independent review of the entire Heritage organization, the Board determined there were significant and worsening management issues that led to a breakdown of internal communications and cooperation,” Mr. Saunders said. “While the organization has seen many successes, Jim DeMint and a handful of his closest advisers failed to resolve these problems.”
He called it a difficult but necessary decision, citing the board’s responsibility to the organization’s 500,000 members.
“We were compelled to take action. Heritage has never been about one individual, but rather the power of conservative ideas. Heritage is bigger than any one person,” Mr. Saunders said.
“We remain committed, as ever, to the principles that have made America great: free enterprise; limited government; individual freedom; traditional American values; and a strong national defense. This will continue under the leadership of Ed and his successor.”
Mr. Feulner is well prepared. He led the Heritage Foundation for over three decades and now returns after serving on President Trump’s transition team.
“I regret not being able to let you know sooner about this change. While we were trying to resolve this matter amicably, we honored our side of the bargain to remain silent,” Mr. Saunders advised the membership. “I wanted to ensure that the Board’s decision was final before alerting you. Unfortunately, the media ran with speculation about this story before the facts could be disclosed.
The current disposition or future plans of Mr. DeMint is unknown.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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