The Obama Foundation has hired Adewale “Wally” Adeyemo, a former Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics and deputy director of the National Economic Council, to be its first-ever president.

In a statement released by the Foundation, Adeyemo will lead the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and manage its organizational structures and functions. He will work under Chairman of the Board Martin Nesbitt and alongside CEO David Simas in Chicago, managing a staff that numbers close to 200.

Expressing his joy at the development, Adeyemo said “I am excited to be joining in the work of the Obama Foundation—inspiring, empowering, and connecting young leaders focused on changing the world.

“I look forward to working with the talented staff of the Foundation to build an organization devoted to supporting the work of changemakers — whether in Chicago or around the world.”

According to Chairman of the Board Martin Nesbitt, “Wally is the ideal person to help lead the Foundation team as we continue to grow the impact of our global civic engagement programs and advance the Obama Presidential Center.

“Given his executive experience in both the public and private sectors and previous service with President Obama, Wally is well-positioned to help us continue to translate our sky-high ambitions into operational reality through daily leadership of our talented staff.”

In addition to the OPC, the Foundation is growing civic engagement projects in its fellowship, scholarship and leadership programs from Chicago to Hartford, Connecticut, to Johannesburg, with further expansions this year and next.