Past Presidents
Since the founding of the Naropa Institute in 1974, many individuals have contributed to its growth and development. While the designations of Naropa's leadership positions have changed over its history, each of the individuals in these positions of leadership has offered exemplary vision and direction to shape Naropa's path.
Naropa's Leaders
Charles G. Lief
7th President, 22 July 2012–present
John Whitehouse Cobb
6th President, 2011–2012
Stuart C. Lord
5th President, 2009–2011
Thomas B. Coburn, President Emeritus
4th President, 2003–2009
John Whitehouse Cobb
3rd President, 1993–2003
Barbara Dilley
2nd President, 1985–1993
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Founder
1st President, 1974–1985
Judith L. Lief
Dean, 1980–1985
Reginald Ray
Co-Director (with William McKeever), 1978–1980
William McKeever
Co-Director (with Reginald Ray), 1978–1980
Executive Director, 1977–1978
Karl Springer
Executive Director, 1975–1977
John Baker
Vice President, 1974–1975
Martin W. Janowitz
Executive Director, 1974–1975