Robert is president of the American Enterprise Institute, one of the most respected public policy think tanks in the US. He recruited scholars and fellows in foreign and defence policy, education, the economy and in opportunity and mobility studies, solidifying AEI as a leading voice on issues facing the US. He was co-chair of the National Commission on Hunger and a lead member of the AEI-Brookings Working Group on Poverty and Opportunity. He joined AEI in 2014 after leadership positions in the social service programs of New York state and New York City.