Michael Weiser to Succeed Jack Miller as Chair of the Jack Miller Center
“I step down confident that well into the future The Jack Miller Center, now in its 20th year, will be my legacy to our great country.”
For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA – [March 25, 2024] – Civics philanthropist Jack Miller has retired as board chairman of the Jack Miller Center (JMC), a Philadelphia-based institution he founded in 2004, on his 95th birthday. Miller, a Chicago-based entrepreneur, and philanthropist will transition to the role of chairman emeritus and remain actively involved on the Jack Miller Center’s Board of Directors.
In a letter addressed to donors and supporters, Miller expressed confidence in the future of the organization, stating, “I step down confident that well into the future The Jack Miller Center, now in its 20th year, will be my legacy to our great country.”
Michael Weiser, who has served on JMC’s board since 2013, will assume the role of chair. Miller describes Weiser as “a proven leader” who is “passionate about our mission.” Weiser has previously served as chair for the boards of The National Conference on Citizenship (2008-2016) and the HistoryMiami Museum (2016-2020).
Miller emphasized the strength of JMC’s leadership team, stating, “Michael will be backed up by a strong board of directors.” The JMC board includes notable scholars, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in civics education.
Under Miller’s guidance, JMC has made significant strides in its mission to transform civic education. Miller noted that over the past three years, the organization has doubled its staff to 22 full-time employees, enabling the implementation of new initiatives outlined in its 5-year strategic plan.
“The civics movement as we know it is a reality because of Jack Miller’s vision, tenacity, philanthropic leadership, and business acumen,” said Hans Zeiger, JMC president. “Now, at this critical time in our country’s history and as we look forward to the 250th birthday of America, Michael Weiser is exactly the person we need to serve as the next chair. He understands where we need to go as an organization and how we can do our part in this growing movement.”
JMC’s initiatives, including the Founding Civics Initiative (FCI) for K-12 teachers and the National Summit on Civic Education, have reached thousands of educators and students across the country. Miller highlighted the organization’s role in restoring the principles and practices of the American political tradition in K-12 classrooms and higher education institutions.
Looking ahead, Miller emphasized the importance of civics education in shaping future generations. He stated, “Parents have been seeing what their children are learning, and not learning, at their K-12 schools and they don’t like it. They want their kids to understand and appreciate the value of America and the American dream.”
Under the leadership of President Hans Zeiger and a dedicated board, Miller sees JMC as a key leader in the field of civics education for years to come.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Marlee Promisel
Jack Miller Center
484-436-0043
mpromisel@gojmc.org
The Jack Miller Center (JMC) is a Philadelphia-based institution founded in 2004 with the mission of reviving the teaching of civics in classrooms across America. JMC offers educational programs and initiatives aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of the American political tradition among educators and students. For more information, visit www.jackmillercenter.org.