As presidential hopeful Jeb Bush cuts ties to Constitution Center, search on for new chairman

The National Constitution Center is seeking a new, high-powered chairman, now that its former leader is running for president. 

Last week, former chairman Jeb Bush announced he was getting out of all his nonprofit affiliations, to focus on a White House bid.

Bush’s term actually expired at the end of 2014, said Jeffrey Rosen, the center’s president and CEO. But last week’s announcement clarified that the former Florida governor would not be staying in his role with the center in Philadelphia.

“To our great regret, he will not be able to renew his term as chair of the Constitution Center. and we have thanked him for his extraordinary service,” Rosen said.

The center has started a search for a new chairman who, said Rosen, will have big shoes to fill.

“Our previous chairs were President Bush 41, President Bill Clinton and Gov. Jeb Bush. In fact, Gov. Bush agreed to chair the Constitution Center board because his father said his work was the most meaningful post-presidential service he had ever performed,” Rosen said.

Former CEO Joe Torsella, now a board member, said he believes the board will find another high-profile chairman.

“The one thing I know about the Constitution Center is [that] it’s gone from strength to strength. It started out great, had great board leadership, but that’s only continued,” he said. “It keeps surprising me and the rest of us. The one thing I’m sure of is [that] the next chair of the Constitution Center will be every bit as talented as the chair who is stepping down and the previous chairs have been.”

The center hopes to find its new chair soon.