As the National Issues Forums Institute approaches the close of 2025, we pause with deep gratitude to honor the extraordinary service of Dr. Kara Dillard, whose term as Chair of the NIFI Board of Directors concludes at the end of this year. Dr. Dillard’s leadership came at a defining moment in NIFI’s history—one that required steadiness, vision, and courage. She met that moment with grace.

For more than forty years, NIFI has championed deliberative democracy and the power of communities to talk, decide, and act together for the public good. During a period of major organizational transition, Dr. Dillard stepped forward to lead NIFI with clarity of purpose and unwavering commitment, ensuring both the continuity of our mission and the strengthening of our institutional foundation.

Leadership Through Transformation

Under Dr. Dillard’s leadership as Board Chair, NIFI navigated critical governance and operational shifts that positioned the organization for long-term success. These were not incremental changes—they were transformative ones. Chief among them was her instrumental role in securing the largest grant in NIFI’s history, enabling major investments in civic education, the development of new deliberative resources, and the hiring of NIFI’s first full-time Executive Director. This step ushered in a new era of professional capacity, strategic partnerships, and sustained growth, laying the groundwork for greater national impact and long-term sustainability.

During her tenure, NIFI adopted a renewed mission, vision, and strategic plan that honors the Institute’s legacy while boldly charting its future. Dr. Dillard helped guide this process with a steady hand, ensuring that NIFI remains rooted in its core commitment to nonpartisan, inclusive public deliberation while embracing new opportunities for scale, innovation, and leadership in the civic field.

Her leadership consistently reflected a deep belief in the power of deliberative democracy—not only as a theory, but as a lived practice within organizations, communities, classrooms, and public life itself.

Beyond milestones and metrics, Dr. Dillard’s greatest contribution may be the example she set as a leader. Her unwavering dedication to strengthening civic life, her care for the NIFI network, and her ability to lead with both resolve and humility have inspired board members, staff, partners, and practitioners across the country. Her stewardship during a pivotal chapter has left an enduring imprint on the organization and its people.

As the NIFI Board formally recorded in its Resolution of Appreciation adopted in November of 2025, Dr. Dillard’s service “represents extraordinary leadership and enduring contributions to the health of our democracy.”

With Gratitude, Not Goodbye

While Dr. Dillard’s term as Board Chair concludes this year, her influence on NIFI will continue to shape our path forward. The stronger organization we are today—and the ambitious future we are building—is in no small part due to her leadership during a time when it mattered most. Thankfully, Dr. Dillard isn’t going anywhere. She will transition to service as NIFI’s Immediate Past Board Chair starting in the new year.

On behalf of NIFI’s staff, Board of Directors, partners, and national network, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kara Dillard for her service, her vision, and her unwavering belief in the power of people to come together across differences for the public good.

With deep appreciation,
The National Issues Forums Institute Board of Directors & Staff