February 3, 2026
Contact: Louisa Tavlas | ltavlas@niskanencenter.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Niskanen Center shared today that President Ted Gayer has decided to step down after nearly four years of leadership. Board Chair Richard (“R.J.”) Lyman will serve as Acting President, effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Gayer will remain with the organization as a senior advisor through the end of May to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will continue his affiliation with Niskanen as a senior fellow.
Dr. Gayer’s tenure was marked by Niskanen achieving high watermarks in its 11-year history for institutional growth and policy impact.
“Ted has helped Niskanen mature from its impressive but scrappy past to a strong present and a promising future,” said Bob Litterman, who will resume his role as Board Chair while Mr. Lyman serves as Acting President. “All of us are pleased and proud to have worked with Ted these last few years. While we are sorry to see him step down, we’re grateful for his leadership and delighted he’ll remain affiliated with Niskanen.”
“It is a pleasure to grasp the baton as Ted passes it after an impressive run,” said Lyman. “Niskanen has great people, doing important work and achieving real results. I look forward to working closely with Ted during the transition and with the team in the months ahead to continue strengthening the organization and advancing its mission.”
“I’ve been honored to work with so many extraordinary colleagues at Niskanen,” said Dr. Gayer. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident in Niskanen’s continued success with my trusted friend and colleague R.J. Lyman at the helm.”
The Niskanen Center is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 2014 to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.
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