The Fetzer Institute Announces Dr. Andrew Serazin as Next President & CEO

Appointment unites scientific rigor, innovation, and spiritual depth
as the Institute continues its work of helping to build
the spiritual foundation for a loving world.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fetzer Institute today announced Dr. Andrew Serazin as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2027. Serazin succeeds Dr. Jeffrey Bullock, who has been serving as Interim CEO.

The appointment follows an extensive, board-led global search and reflects the Institute's commitment to the long-term vision first developed by founder John E. Fetzer: exploring the intersection of spirituality and science and a world animated by love as the guiding force. This marks a return to Fetzer's founding inquiry in ways that are relevant to contemporary challenges.

"Dr. Serazin brings a rare combination of vision, humility, and lived experience that will help carry the foundation forward in the spirit of the Institute's original directive," said Dan Cardinali, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "As our founder shared: 'The Foundation is not here to duplicate that which is being done by others.' With Dr. Serazin stepping into leadership at a time when so many people across the world are searching for deeper meaning, purpose, and renewed hope, we are excited to reconnect with our roots of scientific rigor and radical openness in the name of unconditional, sacred love."

About Dr. Andrew Serazin
Serazin's work has embodied the meeting point of scientific exploration and spiritual depth. He comes to the Institute from Oxford University, where he has served as Senior Research Fellow at Reuben College and Director of the Global Challenges Programme, bridging science, technology, and the humanities to address major societal challenges.

"It is a profound honor to join the Institute at such an important moment in our shared human story, and to support its mission of catalyzing a global movement, one that brings spiritual solutions to the most pressing social problems of our time," said Serazin. "Science and spirituality are twin pillars of our society. Their methods may be different, but both arise from a deep human need to seek truth. And both work best when they share an unwavering commitment to discovery, relationships, and communities that contribute to our flourishing."

Serazin previously spent eight years as President of the Templeton World Charity Foundation, supporting interdisciplinary initiatives in areas such as human flourishing, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, consciousness, open research, forgiveness, and the science of character and virtues. He also spent seven years working at the Gates Foundation, where he was a key executive leading the Grand Challenges in Global Health.

Serazin is a graduate of Notre Dame and Oxford, where he was also a Rhodes Scholar. With broad experience in philanthropy and as a scientist, an entrepreneur, and a former board member of Jesuit Refugee Service, Serazin brings a blend of scientific exploration, philosophical inquiry, spiritual depth, and dynamism to Fetzer's mission.

"I believe the future will require not only innovation, but spiritual and moral imagination, especially as external forces threaten our interior life," said Serazin. "Fetzer is uniquely positioned to help realize this future, and I am humbled to steward this critical work alongside the Institute's remarkable community and partners."

Gratitude for Interim Leadership
The Institute also expressed its deep appreciation to Dr. Bullock, who has guided the organization through this transition.

"Jeff has held this season with grace and a collaborative, pastoral heart," said Cardinali. "We are immensely grateful for his service, and we will carry forward the spirit of his leadership as we begin this new chapter."

Under his leadership, the Institute deepened its organizational alignment, advanced key strategic initiatives, and welcomed important external partnerships. Bullock will continue to serve in this capacity until Serazin is established.

"It has been an honor and a gift to have served Fetzer's mission through this period and worked within such a special community," said Bullock. "I have sincere respect for Dr. Serazin and deep trust in his clear vision for the Institute's promising future."

About the Fetzer Institute
The Fetzer Institute's mission is to help build the spiritual foundation for a loving world. Learn more at fetzer.org and sign up for Fetzer's newsletter at fetzer.org/subscribe. 

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SOURCE Fetzer Institute