Celebrating Jonathan Weigel’s Tenure as CRB Faculty Director
In 2020, Haas established Ladder Faculty Directors for all centers and institutes to engage with Executive Directors, provide academic oversight, and help ensure that centers remain closely tethered to the broader university mission. Since 2021, the CRB Faculty Director has been Jonathan Weigel, Haas Assistant Professor of Business and Public Policy. As we honor the close of Jonathan’s tenure this year, we can reflect on his generous contributions. During his time with the CRB, Jonathan garnered faculty support for the Haas Sustainable Business Research Prize and led research on progressive tax systems.
On October 15, 2025, Jonathan Weigel received the Philomathia Prize, an annual award recognizing early-career UC Berkeley faculty members who show great promise in their field. His work focuses on development economics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he founded a nonprofit research organization to test new approaches to raising local government revenue and strengthening accountability. As highlighted in UC Berkeley Inspire, his most ambitious project employs drone imagery, AI-based roof detection, and surveys to assess structures in Kananga and support the rollout of a progressive tax system.
The CRB extends deep gratitude for Professor Weigel’s service and leadership in amplifying responsible business research. We will continue championing his work at Haas and beyond. The CRB will soon welcome Professor Jim Sallee as Ladder Faculty Director. We will share more about this transition in the New Year. The Ladder Faculty Director role provides academic oversight and helps ensure that centers remain closely tethered to the broader university mission.
