Leadership Structure of the NAACP
The NAACP is governed by a Board of Directors and led by executive officers. The board elects a Chair, while the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the chief staff officer. Understanding the distinction between the volunteer board Chair and the paid executive President/CEO is essential for clarity about who holds operational authority and who sets governance direction.
The Difference Between Chair and President/CEO
The roles of Chair and President/CEO are separate within the NAACP governance model. The Chair is a volunteer board officer elected by the board to lead board meetings and represent the board in a governance and ceremonial capacity. The President/CEO is the organization’s top staff executive, responsible for day-to-day operations, programmatic work, and implementing board policies. Both roles are critical, but they serve different functions in the organization’s leadership.
Current Leadership (as of 2025)
As of 2025, the NAACP’s board-elected Chair is Dr. Anthony W. Jenkins. He is a pastor and community leader elected to the position by the board. The President and CEO is Derrick Johnson, who has held the executive leadership role for several years. Together, they represent the dual leadership structure of governance (Chair) and executive management (President/CEO).
Chair of the Board
The Chair of the Board provides strategic direction and oversight at the governance level. This role is voluntary and focused on board engagement, setting meeting agendas, and ensuring board alignment with the organization’s mission. The Chair does not manage day-to-day operations but plays a key role in long-term vision and external representation at the highest level.
President and Chief Executive Officer
The President and CEO manages the entire organization, including programmatic initiatives, fundraising, staff oversight, and partnership development. This individual reports to the board and is responsible for executing the organization’s mission through advocacy, legal action, community engagement, and public education. Derrick Johnson has overseen national organizing, lobbying, and litigation efforts related to civil rights and racial equity.
Organizational Overview and Mission
The NAACP, founded in 1909, is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States. Its mission centers on ensuring political, educational, social, and economic equality for all persons and eliminating race-based discrimination. The leadership structure supports this mission through a combination of volunteer governance and professional executive management, allowing the organization to scale its impact across states and issue areas.
Responsibilities of the Head of the NAACP
The head of the NAACP—referring to either the Chair or the President/CEO—bears significant responsibility for representing the organization, setting tone, and guiding strategy. While the Chair governs, the President/CEO manages operations and serves as the primary spokesperson. Both roles must uphold the NAACP’s legacy while addressing contemporary civil rights challenges and building coalitions for change.
Key Duties of the Chair
- Preside over board meetings and ensure governance procedures are followed
- Work with board members to set strategic priorities
- Represent the board in public and ceremonial settings
- Serve as a liaison between the board and executive leadership
Key Duties of the President/CEO
- Lead staff and develop annual programs and initiatives
- Oversee budget, fundraising, and financial strategy
- Coordinate advocacy, lobbying, and legal efforts
- Serve as the main public representative of the organization
NAACP Leadership Table
The following table outlines verified details about the current leadership as of 2025, including roles, responsibilities, and tenure indicators where publicly documented.
| Role | Name | Position Type | Primary Responsibilities | Tenure Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chair of the Board | Dr. Anthony W. Jenkins | Board-elected volunteer role | Governance oversight, board leadership, external representation | Elected by the board in 2024, serving into 2025 |
| President/CEO | Derrick Johnson | Executive staff role | Operations, strategy, programs, fundraising, advocacy | Serving since 2017, leading national initiatives in civil rights and equity |
Accountability and Organizational Oversight
The NAACP operates under a model where the board governs and the executive team implements. The Chair ensures that board processes are robust and that directors fulfill their fiduciary duties. The President/CEO is evaluated by the board, with performance reviewed in regular intervals through formal assessments and public reporting. This structure promotes transparency and maintains alignment between leadership and the mission.
Historical Context of NAACP Leadership
Throughout its history, the NAACP has been led by influential figures who shaped civil rights in America. Earlier leaders helped establish legal precedents, while modern executives have expanded digital organizing, coalition building, and impact litigation. Understanding past leadership provides context for how the organization has evolved and how current leaders navigate present-day challenges in advocacy and institutional sustainability.
Challenges and Strategic Focus
Current NAACP leadership faces ongoing challenges related to funding, organizational scaling, legal advocacy, and public engagement. The board and executive team prioritize voting rights, economic justice, public safety reform, and educational equity. Maintaining relevance and impact requires balancing long-standing advocacy methods with adaptive strategies for a changing sociopolitical environment.
How to Engage With NAACP Leadership
Community members and partners can engage with NAACP leadership through local chapters, national campaigns, public comment periods, and events. Providing structured feedback, participating in initiatives, and supporting advocacy efforts help ensure leadership remains accountable and effective. Direct communication with chapter leaders and national offices facilitates collaboration and informs organizational priorities.
Conclusion
The head of the NAACP includes both the Chair of the Board, currently Dr. Anthony W. Jenkins, and the President/CEO, Derrick Johnson. Each role carries distinct responsibilities, with governance focused on oversight and strategy, and executive leadership focused on operations and advocacy. This dual structure supports a resilient organization capable of sustained impact in civil rights and racial equity.
For the most current official confirmation, always refer to the NAACP’s official website or authoritative press releases from the organization.
Tags: NAACP, leadership, Chair, President/CEO, civil rights