While the spotlight has recently shone on William “Bill” Chisholm following his record-breaking $6.1 billion acquisition of the Boston Celtics in March 2025, his wife, Kimberly Ford Chisholm, has garnered attention for her own remarkable accomplishments. A writer, educator, philanthropist, and advocate, Kimberly stands as a multifaceted figure, proving that her influence reaches far beyond her role as the wife of the Celtics’ new majority owner.
A Legacy Rooted in History
Kimberly’s roots trace back to one of the most iconic artistic legacies in American history—she is the great-granddaughter of Gutzon Borglum, the famed sculptor of Mount Rushmore. This family lineage shaped her early views on art, culture, and American history, perspectives she would later confront head-on in her own work as a writer and social commentator.
Academic Excellence and Lifelong Partnership
Kimberly pursued her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College, where she met her future husband, Bill Chisholm. Their relationship, which began on campus, has blossomed into a life of shared values—centered on education, civic engagement, and community building.
After Dartmouth, Kimberly earned advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley, showcasing her deep academic credentials and intellectual curiosity. These institutions laid the foundation for her later work in literary education and publishing.
Writing with Courage and Clarity
Kimberly made a name for herself in the literary world with the publication of her 2008 book, “Hump: True Tales of Sex After Kids.” The candid and insightful work explored how couples navigate intimacy after becoming parents. Its raw honesty and relatable narratives sparked widespread discussion and earned praise for its thoughtful and nonjudgmental tone.
As a literary lecturer and educator, Kimberly has contributed to workshops, panels, and publications centered on personal narrative and contemporary issues, especially those affecting women and families.
Family Life: Education, Legacy, and Roots
Kimberly and Bill Chisholm are parents to three children: Will, Aidan, and Quentin—all of whom have followed in their parents’ footsteps by attending Dartmouth College. Their strong connection to their alma mater reflects the family’s deep commitment to education and intellectual development.
Now in her early 50s, Kimberly continues to champion academic and creative pursuits, both in her personal life and through her involvement in community programs.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
The Chisholm family has consistently prioritized giving back. One of their most notable philanthropic efforts is their support for Type 1 diabetes research. In 2016, the couple was honored with the Breakthrough T1D Impact Award for their contributions toward advancing research, treatment, and potential cures for the disease.
This hands-on approach to philanthropy underscores Kimberly’s values: compassion, action, and community-centered impact. She has also been involved in local educational initiatives and health advocacy campaigns.
Supporting the Boston Celtics Era
When Bill Chisholm became the majority owner of the Boston Celtics, Kimberly stood proudly beside him—both literally and symbolically. The couple attended a Celtics game shortly after the acquisition, with Kimberly actively engaging with fans and taking in the team’s vibrant culture.
During an interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin, Kimberly expressed her excitement about the journey ahead, noting how warm the Celtics community has been. She mentioned that fans often stopped them during their arena tour, a sign of the franchise’s passionate support base.
Her admiration for head coach Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens, the team’s President of Basketball Operations, was especially clear. Speaking with humor and sincerity, she joked to her husband, “You need to tell Joe that I’m obsessed with him.” She elaborated on Mazzulla’s leadership style—intense yet humorous and deeply visionary. Kimberly also admitted her initial concern about anyone stepping into Brad Stevens’ former coaching role but has since embraced the team’s new direction.
Cultural Commentary and Social Stance
Kimberly has not shied away from addressing complex cultural issues. In 2020, she wrote an op-ed under her maiden name, Kimberly Ford, addressing the historical and cultural implications of Mount Rushmore, suggesting its removal from Native land. Her viewpoint carried particular weight given her direct connection to the monument’s creator.
This wasn’t an isolated stance—Kimberly has shown ongoing commitment to social advocacy, speaking up about historical revisionism, women’s rights, and cultural equity. Her blend of personal connection and principled courage makes her voice both unique and necessary in today’s dialogue.
Political Engagement
In addition to her literary and philanthropic work, Kimberly has also engaged in political activism, supporting liberal causes and Democratic candidates. She has donated to the campaign of Rep. Josh Harder and previously supported Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid.
This political engagement reflects her values-driven lifestyle and her ongoing effort to shape a more equitable society—through both words and actions.
Final Thoughts
Kimberly Ford Chisholm is far more than the wife of a billionaire NBA owner—she is a voice of reason, intellect, and empathy in every sphere she enters. From parenting and publishing to social justice and philanthropy, her influence is both personal and public.
As she steps into a new chapter alongside her husband at the helm of the Boston Celtics, Kimberly brings with her a legacy of education, advocacy, creativity, and compassion. Whether on the sidelines of an NBA game or behind the scenes of a community initiative, she continues to be a model of modern leadership and integrity.
With an estimated family net worth in the billions, the Chisholms have the platform—and the purpose—to make a lasting impact. And with Kimberly helping lead the way, the future looks both thoughtful and bold.
