Washington, DC — American Enterprise Institute (AEI) President Robert Doar announced today the creation of the Patrick and Charlene Neal Chair in American Prosperity. AEI Senior Fellow Matthew Continetti will be the first scholar to hold the chair.
The Neal Chair is made possible by a $5 million gift from Patrick and Charlene Neal. Mr. Neal is the founder and chairman of Neal Communities, and Mrs. Neal is president of Charlene Neal PureStyle and vice president of design at Neal Communities. The Neal Chair will support a scholar whose research communicates the benefits of free enterprise to policymakers, researchers, and the public.
“I am enormously grateful that Pat and Charlene have made this transformative investment in AEI,” said Mr. Doar. “The Neal Chair will support Matt Continetti’s important work in the coming years, including his sharp commentary and historical insight, which are steering the public debate about where we have been and where we are headed.”
The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of its scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in a belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of American society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.
“Matt Continetti is a rising star, and Charlene and I are honored to support his work at AEI,” said Mr. Neal. “We believe that ideas can change the world, which is why our support for AEI and establishing this chair are important to us. By understanding the past, we can inform the present and develop better policies that will spread the benefits of free markets and personal liberty to future generations.”
Mr. Continetti is a journalist, writer, and historian at AEI, where he focuses on American political thought and history and the development of the conservative movement in the 20th century. He is a contributing editor at National Review and a columnist for Commentary, and he was the founding editor and editor-in-chief of the Washington Free Beacon. He is the author of three books, including, most recently, The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism (Basic Books, 2022).
“I am grateful for and humbled to hold the Neal Chair at AEI,” replied Mr. Continetti. “The Neals’ support for the values that have made America flourish—free enterprise, individual rights, limited government, the rule of law, and a strong American presence around the world—is inspiring. AEI is at the forefront of this important work. I am honored by this vote of confidence.”
For additional information, please contact AEI Media Services at mediaservices@aei.org or (202) 862-5829.
