Press Release

Alex Gorsky, Executive Chairman of Johnson & Johnson, Joins the George W. Bush Institute as the April and Jay Graham Fellow

The George W. Bush Institute announced today that Alex Gorsky, Executive Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson, has been named the April and Jay Graham Fellow, which will allow him to contribute his significant expertise in military service and leadership to support the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative.

DALLAS – The George W. Bush Institute announced today that Alex Gorsky, Executive Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson, has been named the April and Jay Graham Fellow, which will allow him to contribute his significant expertise in military service and leadership to support the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative. 

The Military Service Initiative informs, influences, and unites communities, nonprofits, businesses, academia, and philanthropic organizations to ensure post-9/11 veterans make successful transitions to civilian life.

As the April and Jay Graham Fellow, Gorsky will advocate for post-9/11 veterans and build awareness for the issues that affect their transitions to civilian life, and foster veteran leadership to enhance our businesses, communities and nation.

Gorsky, a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, spent six years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of captain. His firsthand experience in both the military and at the helm of the world’s largest pharmaceutical company will add a unique and impactful voice to the Military Service Initiative’s programs and ideas.

Under Gorsky’s leadership as CEO and Chairman, Johnson & Johnson became one of the country’s top companies when it comes to support for the military and veteran community, earning numerous accolades including the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the Nation’s highest recognition for an organization’s support to National Guard and Reserve service member employees, and is regularly named a military friendly employer on Military Times’ annual “Best for Vets” list.

“Alex Gorsky has a proven record when it comes to advocating for our Nation’s veterans. As a veteran himself, he understands the complex barriers former service members and their families face during their transitions to civilian life. He also understands the great advantages in leadership that our service members provide to our Nation’s communities and businesses,” said Holly Kuzmich, Executive Director of the Bush Institute. “We are honored to add Alex Gorsky to the Bush Institute team and look forward to the insight and influence he will have on our Military Service Initiative priorities.”

“I am proud to welcome Alex Gorsky to the Bush Institute as our April and Jay Graham Fellow. Alex’s knowledge and credibility in the veteran community will increase the impact of our shared work on the lives of post-9/11 veterans and their families,” said Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

“The level of dedication shown by President and Mrs. Bush to our nation’s service members and their families, both during and after their time in the White House, has made an incredible impact on the lives of millions in the veteran community,” Gorsky said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative, and look forward to contributing to the important work being done to address the most pressing issues affecting the men and women who have honored our country with their service.”

While in the U.S. Army, Gorsky served in Europe, the United States and Panama, earning the Ranger tab and Airborne wings. He subsequently worked in many roles within the pharmaceutical community before becoming Johnson & Johnson’s CEO and Chairman in 2012.

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About the George W. Bush Institute

Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Institute is an action-oriented, nonpartisan policy organization with the mission of developing leaders, advancing policy, and taking action to solve today’s most pressing challenges. Through three Impact Centers – Domestic Excellence, Global Leadership, and an Engagement Agenda – the Bush Institute delivers measurable results that save and improve lives. To learn more, visit www.bushcenter.org.