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Zoë Baird joined the Markle Foundation as its president in 1998, after a diverse career as a prominent lawyer and business executive. At the start of her tenure, as the internet was just beginning to become mainstream, she and the Markle Board of Directors redirected Markle’s mission to focus on the potential of information technology (IT) to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, focusing on economic security, national security and health care. Today, as millions are unemployed and advanced technology and automation are changing the very nature of work, Markle’s priority is advancing solutions toward a labor market that will enable workers in America to move into good jobs in the digital economy. Most recently, Markle formed the Rework America Alliance, a nationwide collaboration to enable unemployed and low wage workers to emerge from this crisis stronger. The Alliance aims to help millions of workers, regardless of formal education - in particular people of color who have been disproportionately impacted by this crisis - move into good jobs by accelerating the development of an effective system of worker training. Under Baird’s leadership, Markle launched its Rework America initiative in 2013, to help workers have greater market power and a stronger voice in decisions that impact their lives. Initially, the Rework America Task Force Ms. Baird chaired focused on how to create more good jobs and how to prepare people for them. The task force published the Norton press book America’s Moment in 2015. This work inspired the development of Markle’s Skillful Initiative, a collaboration including Microsoft, LinkedIn, and the state of Colorado, in 2016 which is using the very forces that are disrupting the economy – technology and data – to create a labor market that helps everyone, regardless of educational background. Nationally, Baird and 20 governors founded the Skillful State Network, now a nonpartisan collaboration of 30 governors and the mayor of the district of Columbia to transform the labor market at a scale and pace not possible through individual state actions. Markle developed a second Rework America Task Force and the Rework America Business Network to expand participation in meeting its objectives. Previously, Ms. Baird led Markle’s collaborative efforts to reform our nation’s approach to intelligence and law enforcement after 9/11 to protect the country against terrorism while protecting traditional civil liberties. Markle’s recommendations have been embodied in law to create a trusted information sharing environment. She established Markle’s Connecting for Health initiative to catalyze improvements in the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care, work which framed the deployment of the HiTech Act and the transformation of access to personal health information. Prior Career Early in her career, Ms. Baird clerked for U.S. District Judge Albert C. Wollenberg (1977–1978) and worked as Attorney-Advisor, at the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Counsel (1979–1980), where she prepared legal opinions for the Attorney General and the head of that office on the constitutionality of government actions or on conflicts between agencies. There she came to the attention of the Counsel to the President, Lloyd Cutler, who brought her to the White House as Associate Counsel to President Jimmy Carter (1980–1981). In this role, Ms. Baird advised the President on national security matters such as U.S. exports of enriched uranium to India and the release of hostages from Iran, as well as on certain domestic policy issues. Following the White House, in 1981, she joined O’Melveny & Myers in Washington, D.C., where she worked on a diverse portfolio of Supreme Court cases and international trade matters. She left her partnership at O’Melveny in 1986 when hired by Jack Welch to join the GE legal department, where she was Counselor and Staff Executive and in that capacity handled critical legal matters and management of the department (1986–1990), as well as participating in groundbreaking recruitment of in-house counsel from private law firms. Ms. Baird served as Senior Vice President & General Counsel at Aetna Life & Casualty Company (1990–1996). She left her executive management role at GE for the task of leading a large legal department at Aetna and being part of the Chairman and CEO’s management team during a challenging time in the insurance industry. During this time, Ms. Baird was President Clinton’s initial nominee for United States Attorney General (1993). Following her tenure at Aetna Life & Casualty Company, she served as Senior Research Associate & Senior Visiting Scholar at Yale Law School (1997). Throughout her career, Ms. Baird has been an active volunteer with non-profit organizations and worked on a number of congressional, senatorial and presidential campaigns. While at Aetna she founded Lawyers for Children America, which recruits and trains lawyers in private practice and corporate legal departments to represent abused and neglected children. It continues to be run by the Aetna legal department. Board and Awards Ms. Baird’s government experience also has included membership on the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (1994–2000), the Congressional Commission on Roles and Capabilities of the U.S. Intelligence Community (1995), the Department of Defense, Defense Science Board, Summer Study on Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction (1997), the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships (1997), the International Competition Policy Advisory Committee to the Attorney General (2000), U.S. Representative to the G-8 Digital Opportunity Task Force (2000-2002), the Department of Defense Technology and Privacy Advisory Committee (2003-2004), the National Security Cyber Awareness and Response Panel (2010–2011). She served as co-chair of the Department of Commerce Digital Economy Board of Advisors to the Secretary of Commerce (2016–2017). Ms. Baird is currently a member of the board of the New York City Ballet, an honorary trustee of the Brookings Institution, and a member of the Aspen Strategy Group. She served on the board of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (1998–2003) and she also chaired the National Board of Advisors of the American Jewish Congress (1994–1998). Ms. Baird also served as a member of the board of the Council on Foreign Relations (2013-2018); Director, Institute of Judicial Administration, New York University School of Law (1992–1999); member of the New York Stock Exchange Legal Advisory Committee (1992-2005); Director, James Baker Institute for Public Policy (1997–2005); and Director, Save the Children (1997–2006). She also served as a member of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on National Security (2004-2006); and a member of the American Law Institute (1992–2010). Businessweek named her one of the 50 Top Women in Business (1992), she was a World Economic Forum Global Leader of Tomorrow (1993), recipient of the American Jewish Congress’ Louis D. Brandeis Award (1993), included in the Silicon Alley Reporter 100 (2000) and honored with a Federal Computer Week Eagle Award (2006). She is also a recipient of the Aspen Strategy Group Leadership Award (2018). Ms. Baird was the inspiration for the Wendy Wasserstein Broadway play, An American Daughter. Family and Education Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1952, Ms. Baird grew up as a daughter of a labor union official and office administrator. Ms. Baird graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Berkeley, with an A.B. with highest honors in Political Science, and Communications and Public Policy (1974). She went on to earn a J.D. from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California Berkeley (1977).
By the end of the twentieth century, information technology and Internet policy had emerged as major areas of interest for Markle’s research. Our current focus on advancing health in a connected world evolved from earlier initiatives that strove to define the ways in which the responsible use of technology can be a force for changing the world in positive ways.
A Safer America through Information Sharing The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 provided one unmistakable lesson: those responsible for protecting us against today's threats must have the best information on those who want to do us harm. Markle's national security work has focused on how to use information and information technology to improve national security while protecting traditional civil liberties. The Markle Task Force on National Security in the Information Age formed the centerpiece of Markle's work. About the Markle Task Force The Markle Task Force has been made up of a diverse and bipartisan group of national security experts from the past six presidential administrations, senior information technology executives, and privacy and civil liberties advocates. It has been co-chaired by Markle's president, Zoë Baird Budinger, and by former Netscape Chief Executive Officer, Jim Barksdale. In its reports, the Markle Task Force has recommended ways to improve decisions affecting our national security by changing how government works, transforming business and information sharing processes. Many of the recommendations of the Markle Task Force have informed the 9/11 Commission Reportand have been incorporated in executive orders and legislation, including the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and the Protect America Act of 2007. The work of the Markle Task Force has broadened understanding of the importance of information and collaboration, and of using information technology to prevent another terrorist attack. The Markle Task Force has also helped advance protections for privacy and civil liberties by providing new concepts and attributes for a trusted information sharing environment.
Aligning Health IT and Health Care Reform Dramatic improvements are possible with smart alignment of health information technology and health care reform. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allows for investments in health IT. These investments represent a vital step toward our nation’s health reform objectives of improving health and reducing unsustainable cost growth, but only if we make smart decisions now that align these efforts. Markle, together with its collaborators and supporters, has produced a series of consensus statements and comments on the “meaningful use” of electronic health records. These papers represent a collective view that aligning health IT with health care reform efforts begins with setting the right goals for technology development efforts. Success will be measured in terms of lives saved, improvements in the quality of health care, and slowing down growth in costs.
The following questions are frequently asked about the Markle Foundation: Who established the Markle Foundation and why? What is the common link between Markle’s work in Rework America, Health, and National Security? How is Markle a catalyst for change? Why is the public-private collaboration so important? What are Markle's policies for the re-use of content found on Markle websites? Can I apply to receive a grant from the Markle Foundation? How can my organization become a partner in one of your current projects? Where can I find Markle's 990 IRS tax forms? Who established the Markle Foundation and why? John and Mary Markle established the Foundation in 1927, "to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge among the people of the United States, and to promote the general good of mankind." Over the years and with each successive leader, the focus of the Foundation's work has evolved without ever straying from John and Mary Markle's original vision of creating a better world through the advancement and dissemination of knowledge. Markle Interactive Timeline « Back to top What is the common link between Markle’s work Rework America, Health, and National Security? Markle’s work in health, national security, and the economy focuses on how to catalyze change across the sectors to improve the lives of Americans. Technology often provides an important means to this end. When technology is woven into the fabric of institutions that serve and protect people, information becomes a powerful tool for addressing critical public needs and empowering individuals to improve their lives. Learn more About Markle. « Back to top How is Markle a catalyst for change? Markle’s current initiative, Rework America, is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. Connecting for Health was a public-private collaborative of government, industry, technology, consumer, and health care leaders. This collaborative has worked to catalyze the widespread changes needed to realize the full potential of health information technology, while protecting patient privacy and the security of personal health information. The Markle Task Force on National Security in the Information Age brought together a diverse panel of security experts from the past six presidential administrations, as well as numerous thought leaders from both the private and public sectors. Markle Task Force members' expertise has encompassed technology, government, industry, policy development, and civil liberties. Many of the Markle Task Force's recommendations for building a trusted information environment have been incorporated in federal legislation and executive order. « Back to top Why is the public-private collaboration so important? Markle has demonstrated that bringing together the knowledge and experience of the public and private sectors can provide a formula for addressing previously intractable public problems. This strategy has proven successful in finding common ground and building consensus as well as promoting innovation among a broad spectrum of experts in government, industry, and the non-profit sector. This collaborative approach has been the driving force behind three important Markle initiatives, and the work of these initiatives has gained widespread acceptance, as evidenced by the enactment of major federal laws consistent with Markle principles and the development of new technologies over the last 15 years. « Back to top What are Markle's policies for the re-use of content found on Markle websites? As part of its mission, the Markle Foundation aspires to use its assets wisely to achieve the greatest possible impact. We believe that making our work openly available and free to the public will contribute to this mission. Our intention is to assure that the intellectual fruits of the works we develop and commission, other than material of purely internal application, are easy to find and available for sharing in order to maximize their impact and hence the public benefit. Therefore, a Creative Commons license applies to publications, reports and videos which bear the Creative Commons symbol. Documents posted on this website which do not bear the Creative Commons symbol also exist to serve our mission to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge. You are free to read the documents online or download them for your own reference. You may also create links to our materials on your own website or social networks. If you are interested in reprinting, redistributing, or referencing any portion of our work not marked with a Creative Commons symbol in your own publications, please contact us at [email protected] for permissions, attribution language, or additional information. « Back to top Can I apply to receive a grant from the Markle Foundation? We have found that the most effective way for us to leverage our resources is to structure and operate our own projects in cooperation with our partners, instead of working as a traditional grant-making organization. Therefore, we do not accept unsolicited grant applications. « Back to top How can my organization become a partner in one of your current projects? Markle's approach entails convening multi-sector groups of leaders and innovators from technology, government, public interest organizations, and business to bring about the technical and policy changes needed to enable breakthroughs in the public interest. We seek out partners who can make valuable contributions toward achieving our common goals. Please review the descriptions provided on our Rework America, Health and National Securitypages, or contact us at [email protected] for more information. « Back to top Where can I find Markle's 990 IRS tax forms? The forms are available here: Tax Forms « Back to top
NEW YORK, NY—The Markle Foundation today announces the launch of the Markle Special Collection of public policy research documents at the PolicyArchive, a project of the Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) and Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. The Markle Special Collection focuses on the ways in which information technology shapes policymaking, particularly in the fields of health, national security, interactive media for children, Internet governance, and global development. PolicyArchive.org, a leading digital library of public policy research, showcases influential policy research from a variety of non-profit foundations. The Markle Special Collection highlights Markle’s most significant publications, including reports and papers that have been instrumental in the creation of laws that seek to protect the civil liberties of all Americans, strengthen national security policies and practices, improve health outcomes, and transform the health care system through information sharing and innovations in technology. These vital documents are now available in a forum that brings them together with other research collections that address the broader spectrum of policymaking for an array of public interest needs.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (PR Newswire)–PolicyArchive.org, the leading digital library of public policy research developed by the Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) and IUPUI University Library, launches a new online portal of research documents sponsored by the Markle Foundation in New York. The Markle Special Collection focuses on the ways in which information technology shapes policymaking, particularly in the fields of health, national security, interactive media for children, Internet governance and global development. “PolicyArchive offers a unique opportunity for us to share our insights and the results of our work in the true spirit of collaboration,” says Stefaan Verhulst, chief of research at the Markle Foundation. “We believe the Markle Special Collection will be of particular value to those interested in finding new ways of addressing critical public needs in the information age.” The Markle collection is one the first of PolicyArchive’s upcoming series of research collections that gather and showcase influential policy research from nonprofit foundations. The Markle Special Collection highlights Markle's most significant publications, including reports and papers that have been instrumental in creating current laws and policies. These vital documents are now available in a forum that brings them together with other collections that address the broader spectrum of policymaking for an array of public interest needs.
Princeton, N.J.—The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) today kicked off a landmark program to design and test bold ideas for how consumers can use information technology to better manage their health and navigate the health care system. Project HealthDesign: Rethinking the Power and Potential of Personal Health Records, a $4.1 million initiative, has selected eight multidisciplinary teams that will build new tools that advance the field of personal health record (PHR) systems. Grant teams will work collaboratively to design and test a suite of PHR applications that can be built upon a common platform to help people better meet their health care needs in an integrated fashion. Such PHR tools may remind a patient to take medications, provide tailored decision prompts to help people adhere to treatment regimens for diabetes or pain therapy, or transmit data to providers—such as blood pressure readings or exercise levels—that are collected from patient self-testing and biomonitoring devices in the home. "It's not just the wider use of personal health records or online access to the data they store that is so revolutionary," said Stephen Downs, S.M., RWJF senior program officer and deputy director of the Health Group. "Project HealthDesign is challenging the PHR field to focus on the potential for patients, providers and caregivers to use this information to improve their health. The design of the systems over which this information flows is critical, and that is why we’re excited to support the efforts of these technology pioneers to develop the next generation of PHR systems."
New York, NY– "Connecting for Health applauds Secretary Leavitt for moving the nation much closer to the day when patients and medical professionals will be able to exchange potentially lifesaving health information in a secure and private manner. By selecting Connecting for Health’s three community electronic health information exchange to serve as a prototype for the nation, the Secretary has acknowledged the major contribution made to health information technology by the hundreds of organizations involved in Connecting for Health. With the support of the federal government, Connecting for Health will help deliver what the American people want -- a fully connected health care system in the 21st century." - Carol Diamond, M.D., Managing Director, Markle Foundation; Chair, Connecting for Health Background Michael O. Leavitt, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced the award of a contract today to the Connecting for Health team to make its three-community health information exchange a prototype for nationwide health information exchange. The Secretary also awarded 3 other related contracts today to develop the nationwide electronic exchange of health information.
Advances in information technology over the past decade have stirred the creative spirit of a generation and dramatically changed our everyday lives. As we enter the 21st century, the Internet and information technology (IT) continue to capture our imagination, holding out a future filled with possibilities that go far beyond the transformations we have already witnessed in business, education and consumer choice. Thispaper includes an introduction letter by Zoe Baird andreports on Health and National Security, the Markle Foundation'stwo main initiatives for the year 2004.
Introduction This paper is a summary of the Markle Foundation’s work in supporting the development of a telemedicine clinic in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia, which was launched in April of 2003. It includes an overview of the project, a discussion of lessons learned and applied thus far, and suggestions for future work.
Preface How many Chinese people are going online? What are they doing on the Internet? What is the social impact of the growing Internet use in China? With more and more people paying attention to the development of the Internet in China, such specific questions are being frequently asked. However, little empirical research has been conducted in this field. Currently, one of the blind spots in the field and the most mutable factor is the small cities. The idea of doing research on small cities started from early 2001 when Jim Steinberg, who was senior advisor for the Markle Foundation at the time, and Nina Hachigian, visited Nanhai, which is a model of e-government in China. Thanks to the financial support from the Markle Foundation and the advice from Stefaan Verhulst, the CASS Internet research1 can be continued and expanded to the small cities.
