Former University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks was appointed interim president of The Bush Foundation Thursday.

The Bush Foundation Board of Directors announced that Bruininks' presidency will begin today.  Former president Peter C. Hutchinson stepped down in January.

"The Board is thrilled that Dr. Bruininks has agreed to step into this interim role," said Jan K. Malcolm, chair of the board.  "His experience and thought leadership will ensure that progress on the Foundation's important work continues unabated as we undertake a search for the Foundation's next president."

Bruininks said he is honored to serve as interim president. He stepped down from the helm of the University over the summer of 2011.

"The Foundation continues to be a significant catalytic organization across the area it serves, and its work is making a real impact on improving the quality of life in our region," he said.

The Bush Foundation is currently the fourth-largest private foundation in Minnesota and a strong source of philanthropic funding in South Dakota and North Dakota, a press relase said.  The foundation invested more than $30 million in 2011 in initiatives aimed toward achieving its long-term goals.

"As a Board, we are using this opportunity of this leadership change to examine the important role the Foundation plays in the region," Malcolm said.