Ross Hougham

President

Ross Hougham serves as President of the John Jay Institute, where he cultivates intentional Christian leadership for such a time as this. A former John Jay Fellow himself, Ross knows firsthand the power of rigorous study in this special community.

Ross came to Langhorne, PA, by way of Washington, DC, where he led The Heritage Foundation's efforts to supercharge the Conservative Movement's talent pipeline. Overseeing the institution's flagship Young Leaders Program internship, online Heritage Academy, the groundbreaking High School Fellowship, and other programs, Ross labored to ensure there was always a deep bench of dynamic players ready to contend at every level with the great challenges of our time. Prior to Heritage, Ross gained experience working on religious freedom fundraising and criminal justice advocacy. 

Ross earned his BA in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds graduate degrees in public administration and history from the University of Southern California and Oxford University. He was a 2023-24 James Madison Fellow with Hillsdale College. 

Ross's wife, Kathryn, is an accomplished classical musician who has performed viola in such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Blair House, and the German Embassy. Together through their family, they strive to raise saints, preserve civilization, cultivate beauty, and be faithful stewards of Christ's Kingdom.