Brian Hooks, executive director and chief operating officer, will depart the Mercatus Center at George Mason University to become President of the Charles Koch Foundation effective July 1.

“Brian has been an integral part of the growth of the Mercatus Center over the past fourteen years,” says Tyler Cowen, director and chairman of the board of the Mercatus Center, “Mercatus will continue to grow and thrive as the world’s premier university source of market-based ideas thanks to the foundation that Brian has helped to establish.”

Mercatus is a robust research center dedicated to generating knowledge and understanding of how institutions affect the freedom to prosper and finding sustainable solutions to overcome barriers that prevent individuals from living free, prosperous, and peaceful lives. The largest supporter of graduate students at George Mason University, Mercatus supports over 100 students each year.

“It has been my privilege to be a part of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University for the past fourteen years, working with Tyler Cowen and the amazing team at Mercatus,” says Hooks.

The hiring process for a replacement is underway. Carrie Conko, senior vice president, and Gary Leff, chief financial officer, will manage operations under Cowen’s leadership in the interim period.

Media Contact: Bob Ewing, Director of Media Relations, bewing@mercatus.gmu.edu.