Solomon brings a background in law, diplomacy, and public policy to the foundation. His career includes serving as legislative counsel to then-Senator Barack Obama, senior adviser to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, and U.S. executive director for the World Bank Group. Before his academic tenure at UVA, he operated an international consulting practice focused on conflict resolution and organizational collaboration.

Board chair Joseph Pierson cited Solomon’s expertise in negotiation as the primary driver for his selection during a period of global volatility. Trustee Janai Nelson echoed this sentiment, highlighting his aptitude for managing complex, conflicting viewpoints. The appointment concludes a year-long search initiated after Heintz announced his retirement following a 25-year tenure. Solomon, an alumnus of Harvard and Yale Law School, expressed his intent to continue the foundation’s focus on social, environmental, and economic sustainability.