Higher Ground Labs

Our Team

 

Meet Our Team.

Shomik Dutta Partner Shomik has built a diverse career in politics, renewable energy, and finance. He is a veteran of several Democratic campaigns and served as the Mid-Atlantic Finance Director for the '08 Obama Campaign.  Shomik worked in the Obama White House as special assistant to the White House Counsel and then served as an Advisor to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Shomik later worked on President Obama's re-election campaign as a fundraiser.  In 2013, Shomik co-founded a private equity firm focused on renewable energy and infrastructure. He oversaw the planning, financing, and development of two utility-scale solar plants in Asia and in Sub Saharan Africa.  He quit his job the day after Trump was elected to get back in the fight. Shomik holds a B.A. from Williams College and a M.B.A from The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania . 

Shomik Dutta
Partner

Shomik has built a diverse career in politics, renewable energy, and finance. He is a veteran of several Democratic campaigns and served as the Mid-Atlantic Finance Director for the '08 Obama Campaign.  Shomik worked in the Obama White House as special assistant to the White House Counsel and then served as an Advisor to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Shomik later worked on President Obama's re-election campaign as a fundraiser. 

In 2013, Shomik co-founded a private equity firm focused on renewable energy and infrastructure. He oversaw the planning, financing, and development of two utility-scale solar plants in Asia and in Sub Saharan Africa.  He quit his job the day after Trump was elected to get back in the fight. Shomik holds a B.A. from Williams College and a M.B.A from The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania . 

Betsy Hoover Partner Betsy has deep experience with political technology. Her political career began in 2007 as an organizer on the first Obama Campaign. In 2012, she served as the National Digital Organizing Director, sitting at the intersection of field, digital, and technology. In 2013, Betsy co-founded 270 Strategies - a public engagement firm that works with political campaigns, causes, and companies all over the world. She started HGL because she is still recommending the same tools to clients now that she used as an organizer 10 years ago.  Betsy is an organizer first. She has been recognized by Business Insider as “at the forefront of political innovation" and was featured on Forbes magazine's "30 Under 30: Law & Policy" list for her work on the president's re-election campaign. 

Betsy Hoover
Partner

Betsy has deep experience with political technology. Her political career began in 2007 as an organizer on the first Obama Campaign. In 2012, she served as the National Digital Organizing Director, sitting at the intersection of field, digital, and technology. In 2013, Betsy co-founded 270 Strategies - a public engagement firm that works with political campaigns, causes, and companies all over the world. She started HGL because she is still recommending the same tools to clients now that she used as an organizer 10 years ago. 

Betsy is an organizer first. She has been recognized by Business Insider as “at the forefront of political innovation" and was featured on Forbes magazine's "30 Under 30: Law & Policy" list for her work on the president's re-election campaign. 

Andrew McLaughlin Partner Andrew McLaughlin is a professional nerd who loves politics, policy, tech, and media.  Recent jobs have included being Deputy CTO of the United States under President Obama, a partner at betaworks, CEO of Digg and Instapaper, a senior business exec at Medium and Tumblr, head of global public policy at Google, and Chief Policy Officer of ICANN.  He's taught classes at Stanford and Harvard Law Schools and has been a fellow at Princeton and Columbia.  He's on the boards of Access Now and Public Knowledge, and has served on the boards of the Sunlight Foundation and Code for America. Andrew's first job in politics was working for Paul Wellstone's Minnesota Senate campaign in 1990.  He has been active in campaigns from the presidential to the local level ever since.  Andrew holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. From Harvard Law School.

Andrew McLaughlin
Partner

Andrew McLaughlin is a professional nerd who loves politics, policy, tech, and media.  Recent jobs have included being Deputy CTO of the United States under President Obama, a partner at betaworks, CEO of Digg and Instapaper, a senior business exec at Medium and Tumblr, head of global public policy at Google, and Chief Policy Officer of ICANN.  He's taught classes at Stanford and Harvard Law Schools and has been a fellow at Princeton and Columbia.  He's on the boards of Access Now and Public Knowledge, and has served on the boards of the Sunlight Foundation and Code for America.

Andrew's first job in politics was working for Paul Wellstone's Minnesota Senate campaign in 1990.  He has been active in campaigns from the presidential to the local level ever since.  Andrew holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. From Harvard Law School.

 
Joselyn Lai Program Manager Joselyn comes from the world of impact-oriented entrepreneurship. She's consulted, fundraised, and marketed for sustainable food and agriculture start-ups in Silicon Valley, and designed and launched new businesses in Bogotá, Colombia, to improve urban safety and health in Latin America. In 2016, inspired to help protect democracy in the US, Jos left her job at a start-up builder in South America to work as an organizer for Hillary Clinton in Miami-Dade, and contributed to historic Latino turnout in Miami-Dade. Now that she's back State-side, she's looking to help fuel progressive politics and civic engagement through technology and entrepreneurship. Jos started her career in Bain & Company's healthcare and private equity practices, and holds a Bachelor's in Economics from Harvard University.  

Joselyn Lai
Program Manager

Joselyn comes from the world of impact-oriented entrepreneurship. She's consulted, fundraised, and marketed for sustainable food and agriculture start-ups in Silicon Valley, and designed and launched new businesses in Bogotá, Colombia, to improve urban safety and health in Latin America.

In 2016, inspired to help protect democracy in the US, Jos left her job at a start-up builder in South America to work as an organizer for Hillary Clinton in Miami-Dade, and contributed to historic Latino turnout in Miami-Dade. Now that she's back State-side, she's looking to help fuel progressive politics and civic engagement through technology and entrepreneurship.

Jos started her career in Bain & Company's healthcare and private equity practices, and holds a Bachelor's in Economics from Harvard University.  

Maggie Stohler Program Coordinator Maggie Stohler was the former Communications Associate at Impact Engine, a venture fund that invests financial & human capital in for-profit tech startups improving education, health, economic empowerment & resource efficiency. Prior to impact investing, Maggie was active in developing civic engagement programming at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics. A Philadelphia native, she previously worked for the pro bono legal services arm of the Philadelphia Bar Associations. Maggie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from University of Delaware. In her spare time, she cohosts The Brink of Impact, a peer to peer networking podcast that encourages young people to explore careers in social impact.

Maggie Stohler
Program Coordinator

Maggie Stohler was the former Communications Associate at Impact Engine, a venture fund that invests financial & human capital in for-profit tech startups improving education, health, economic empowerment & resource efficiency. Prior to impact investing, Maggie was active in developing civic engagement programming at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics.

A Philadelphia native, she previously worked for the pro bono legal services arm of the Philadelphia Bar Associations. Maggie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from University of Delaware. In her spare time, she cohosts The Brink of Impact, a peer to peer networking podcast that encourages young people to explore careers in social impact.

Rebecca Leventhal Senior Advisor Rebecca focuses on the intersection of finance and social impact. She was on the founding team of Social Finance, Inc., an impact investing firm that uses outcomes-based financing to fund solutions to complex social challenges. Lives in Boston. 

Rebecca Leventhal
Senior Advisor

Rebecca focuses on the intersection of finance and social impact. She was on the founding team of Social Finance, Inc., an impact investing firm that uses outcomes-based financing to fund solutions to complex social challenges. Lives in Boston. 

Ron Klain Chair of the Advisory Board Ron Klain is EVP and General Counsel of Revolution LLC, an investment firm with over $2B in AUM. He previously served as National Practice Group Chair at O'Melveny & Myers and served in the White House as Chief of Staff to Vice President Biden, senior aide to President Obama for implementing the Recovery Act, and Ebola Response Coordinator. He also served as Chief of Staff for VP Gore, Chief of Staff and Counselor to Attorney General Janet Reno, Staff Director of the Senate Democratic Leadership Committee, Chief Counsel of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Associate Counsel to President Clinton for judicial selection.  Ron began his career clerking for Supreme Court Justice Byron White. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was an Editor of the Harvard Law Review, and summa cum laude from Georgetown University, where he serves as Adjunct Professor.

Ron Klain
Chair of the Advisory Board

Ron Klain is EVP and General Counsel of Revolution LLC, an investment firm with over $2B in AUM. He previously served as National Practice Group Chair at O'Melveny & Myers and served in the White House as Chief of Staff to Vice President Biden, senior aide to President Obama for implementing the Recovery Act, and Ebola Response Coordinator. He also served as Chief of Staff for VP Gore, Chief of Staff and Counselor to Attorney General Janet Reno, Staff Director of the Senate Democratic Leadership Committee, Chief Counsel of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Associate Counsel to President Clinton for judicial selection. 

Ron began his career clerking for Supreme Court Justice Byron White. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was an Editor of the Harvard Law Review, and summa cum laude from Georgetown University, where he serves as Adjunct Professor.

 

Advisory Board

Yohannes Abraham Former COO, Obama Foundation Yohannes is a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Previously served as interim COO and Senior Advisor at the Obama Foundation, Senior Advisor to the National Economic Council, and Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. Based in his home state of Virginia.

Yohannes Abraham
Former COO, Obama Foundation

Yohannes is a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Previously served as interim COO and Senior Advisor at the Obama Foundation, Senior Advisor to the National Economic Council, and Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. Based in his home state of Virginia.

Meg Ansara Founding Partner, 270 Strategies Meg is a seasoned campaign organizer and strategist. She is a Founding Partner at 270 Strategies, and formerly the Battleground States Director for HFA and National Regional Director at OFA. Passionate about education reform, with many years in senior roles at Stand for Children. Based in DC.

Meg Ansara
Founding Partner, 270 Strategies

Meg is a seasoned campaign organizer and strategist. She is a Founding Partner at 270 Strategies, and formerly the Battleground States Director for HFA and National Regional Director at OFA. Passionate about education reform, with many years in senior roles at Stand for Children. Based in DC.

Jeremy Bird CEO, 270 Strategies Jeremy has a long history as a political organizer - for unions, advocacy groups, and local candidates. He was the National Field Director for the 2012 Obama campaign. Lives in Chicago.    

Jeremy Bird
CEO, 270 Strategies

Jeremy has a long history as a political organizer - for unions, advocacy groups, and local candidates. He was the National Field Director for the 2012 Obama campaign. Lives in Chicago.    

Catherine Bracy Executive Director, TechEquity Collaborative Catherine is co-founder of TechEquity Collaborative, working to build a more equitable tech economy. Leadership roles at Code for America, Obama 2012 technology teams, and Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society. Based in Oakland.

Catherine Bracy
Executive Director,
TechEquity Collaborative

Catherine is co-founder of TechEquity Collaborative, working to build a more equitable tech economy. Leadership roles at Code for America, Obama 2012 technology teams, and Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society. Based in Oakland.

 
Jon Carson Founder, Trajectory Energy Jon is a true organizer. He was the field director on Obama's '08 campaign, Director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House, and Executive Director for Organizing for Action. Lives in Chicago. 

Jon Carson
Founder, Trajectory Energy

Jon is a true organizer. He was the field director on Obama's '08 campaign, Director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House, and Executive Director for Organizing for Action. Lives in Chicago. 

Ann Mei Chang Former Executive Director, USAID Lab Ann has over 20 years experience in Silicon Valley leading teams at companies like Google, Apple, and Intuit. Served in Obama State Dept and USAID. Senior Engineering Director at Google, led worldwide engineering for mobile applications and services.   

Ann Mei Chang
Former Executive Director, USAID Lab

Ann has over 20 years experience in Silicon Valley leading teams at companies like Google, Apple, and Intuit. Served in Obama State Dept and USAID. Senior Engineering Director at Google, led worldwide engineering for mobile applications and services. 

 

Cheryl Contee CEO, Fission Strategy Cheryl is CEO of Fission Strategy,  and co-founder of Attentive.ly, #YesWeCode, and Jack and Jill Politics. Expert in cutting-edge influencer marketing, digital strategy, social technology, branding, and social entrepreneurship. Lives in the Bay Area. 

Cheryl Contee
CEO, Fission Strategy

Cheryl is CEO of Fission Strategy,  and co-founder of Attentive.ly, #YesWeCode, and Jack and Jill Politics. Expert in cutting-edge influencer marketing, digital strategy, social technology, branding, and social entrepreneurship. Lives in the Bay Area. 

Addisu Demissie Founder, 50+1 Strategies Addisu was the Ohio GOTV Director for Obama '08, campaign manager for Cory Booker in '14, and the Border State Director in '16. He has worked for companies, advocacy organizations for over a decade. He now lives in Oakland. 

Addisu Demissie
Founder, 50+1 Strategies

Addisu was the Ohio GOTV Director for Obama '08, campaign manager for Cory Booker in '14, and the Border State Director in '16. He has worked for companies, advocacy organizations for over a decade. He now lives in Oakland. 

 
Toby Fallsgraff   Digital Communications Director, HFA If your product relies on great content, you need Toby Fallsgraff. Toby was the email director in 2012 for Obama, raising over $400 million online. He lives in Chicago.  

Toby Fallsgraff  
Digital Communications Director, HFA

If your product relies on great content, you need Toby Fallsgraff. Toby was the email director in 2012 for Obama, raising over $400 million online. He lives in Chicago.  

Jon Favreau Founder, Crooked Media Jon Favreau was Barack Obama's chief speechwriter from 2005-2013. He previously worked a speechwriter to John Kerry. He is now the founder of a burgeoning media empire and lives in LA. 

Jon Favreau
Founder, Crooked Media

Jon Favreau was Barack Obama's chief speechwriter from 2005-2013. He previously worked a speechwriter to John Kerry. He is now the founder of a burgeoning media empire and lives in LA. 

Jesse Ferguson Democratic Strategist Jesse is a Democratic strategist and consultant working on a number of progressive issue advocacy campaigns and Democratic electoral efforts for 2018. Previously, he was Deputy National Press Secretary and Senior Spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.

Jesse Ferguson
Democratic Strategist

Jesse is a Democratic strategist and consultant working on a number of progressive issue advocacy campaigns and Democratic electoral efforts for 2018. Previously, he was Deputy National Press Secretary and Senior Spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.

Natalie Foster                           Former Digital Director, OFA Natalie is an expert on the future of work. She is the co-chair of the Economic Security Project and an advisor to the The Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative. She lives in Oakland.  

Natalie Foster                         
Former Digital Director, OFA

Natalie is an expert on the future of work. She is the co-chair of the Economic Security Project and an advisor to the The Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative. She lives in Oakland.  

 
Richard Frankel Former Founder/President, Rocket Fuel Richard is the former Founder and President of Rocket Fuel, a big data ad tech company he started in 2008 and took public in 2013. He formerly served in leadership roles at Yahoo, DoubleClick and NetGravity. Richard is now working in Board and Advisory roles, and lives in the SF Bay Area.

Richard Frankel
Former Founder/President, Rocket Fuel

Richard is the former Founder and President of Rocket Fuel, a big data ad tech company he started in 2008 and took public in 2013. He formerly served in leadership roles at Yahoo, DoubleClick and NetGravity. Richard is now working in Board and Advisory roles, and lives in the SF Bay Area.

Danielle Gray Partner, O'Melveny & Myers Danielle Gray was a longtime legal and policy aide to President Obama. She served in the White House from Day 1 as Associate Counsel and ended as Cabinet Secretary. 

Danielle Gray
Partner, O'Melveny & Myers

Danielle Gray was a longtime legal and policy aide to President Obama. She served in the White House from Day 1 as Associate Counsel and ended as Cabinet Secretary. 

Tyler Hagenbuch Perkins Coie Tyler is a voter protection guru. He understands election law through his work with campaigns. Tyler worked for the Obama Campaign in 2012 and was a lead Perkins lawyer for HFA in 2016. He lives in Chicago. 

Tyler Hagenbuch
Perkins Coie

Tyler is a voter protection guru. He understands election law through his work with campaigns. Tyler worked for the Obama Campaign in 2012 and was a lead Perkins lawyer for HFA in 2016. He lives in Chicago. 

Stephanie Hannon Chief Product Officer, Strava Stephanie is the Chief Product Officer at Strava, and recently completed a stint as Executive in Residence at Greylock Partners. Previously, she was CTO for Hillary '16, and Director of Product Management, Civic Innovation, and Social Impact at Google. She also held PM and leadership roles at Facebook and Eventbrite. Lives in the SF Bay Area.

Stephanie Hannon
Chief Product Officer, Strava

Stephanie is the Chief Product Officer at Strava, and recently completed a stint as Executive in Residence at Greylock Partners. Previously, she was CTO for Hillary '16, and Director of Product Management, Civic Innovation, and Social Impact at Google. She also held PM and leadership roles at Facebook and Eventbrite. Lives in the SF Bay Area.

 
Jill Huchital Head of Product, Ragtag.org Jill has spent two decades working in high tech. She has served as an Engineering & Product Director at Google, worked as Head of Engineering at a start-up, and was active with DevProgress. Lives in the Bay Area.

Jill Huchital
Head of Product, Ragtag.org

Jill has spent two decades working in high tech. She has served as an Engineering & Product Director at Google, worked as Head of Engineering at a start-up, and was active with DevProgress. Lives in the Bay Area.

Raffi Krikorian CTO, Democratic National Committee Raffi is the CTO of the DNC. He was the Engineering Director responsible for the launch of the first-ever self-driving Uber fleet in Pittsburgh, PA. Previously served as the VP of Engineering at Twitter and was Co-Founder of WattzOn. Lives in the Bay Area.   

Raffi Krikorian
CTO, Democratic National Committee

Raffi is the CTO of the DNC. He was the Engineering Director responsible for the launch of the first-ever self-driving Uber fleet in Pittsburgh, PA. Previously served as the VP of Engineering at Twitter and was Co-Founder of WattzOn. Lives in the Bay Area. 

 

Ellen Kurz Consultant Ellen Kurz is a businesswoman foundation consultant, and veteran of many campaigns. She has been an advocate for voter participation, working with a string of non-profit organizations. Lives in Cambridge.

Ellen Kurz
Consultant

Ellen Kurz is a businesswoman foundation consultant, and veteran of many campaigns. She has been an advocate for voter participation, working with a string of non-profit organizations. Lives in Cambridge.

John Lee CTO, NGP VAN John is veteran political technologist. Began as an engineer for the Voter Activation Network and has risen to CTO at NGP VAN, working closely with presidential campaigns, the DNC, and major labor unions. Based in Boston.  

John Lee
CTO, NGP VAN

John is veteran political technologist. Began as an engineer for the Voter Activation Network and has risen to CTO at NGP VAN, working closely with presidential campaigns, the DNC, and major labor unions. Based in Boston.
 

 
Marlon Marshall Founding Partner, 270 Strategies Marlon has a long history in campaign strategy. Most recently he was Director of States & Political Engagement on the Hillary Campaign. He lives in DC. 

Marlon Marshall
Founding Partner, 270 Strategies

Marlon has a long history in campaign strategy. Most recently he was Director of States & Political Engagement on the Hillary Campaign. He lives in DC. 

Keith Mestrich President & CEO, Amalgamated Bank Keith runs Amalgamated Bank and has over 25 years of experience working with labor and non-profit orgs to build wealth for a purpose. He was the CFO and Deputy CoS for SEIU and an organizer for AFL-CIO. 

Keith Mestrich
President & CEO, Amalgamated Bank

Keith runs Amalgamated Bank and has over 25 years of experience working with labor and non-profit orgs to build wealth for a purpose. He was the CFO and Deputy CoS for SEIU and an organizer for AFL-CIO. 

Tamim Mourad Tech Entrepreneur Tamim is a serial tech entrepreneur with a proven track record. Tamim was the Founder and CEO PriceGrabber.com (acquired by Experian), eSalon.com, and Busker Media. He lives in LA.

Tamim Mourad
Tech Entrepreneur

Tamim is a serial tech entrepreneur with a proven track record. Tamim was the Founder and CEO PriceGrabber.com (acquired by Experian), eSalon.com, and Busker Media. He lives in LA.

Greg Nelson Advisor, The Parker Foundation Greg Nelson served as a longtime tech and economic policy aide to President Obama. Aspen Fellow for Future of Work Initiative. Previously built and sold a tech company. He now lives in SF.    

Greg Nelson
Advisor, The Parker Foundation

Greg Nelson served as a longtime tech and economic policy aide to President Obama. Aspen Fellow for Future of Work Initiative. Previously built and sold a tech company. He now lives in SF.    

 
Michael O'Neil Partnerships & Policy, Airbnb Michael currently works on the Partnerships and Policy team for Airbnb. Previously, Michael served in the Office of the Chief of Staff and Presidential Personnel Office in the Obama White House. Michael was the Midwest Finance Director and was the Ohio Primary Political Director the Obama '08 campaign. Michael is proud to be from the Buckeye State, and currently lives in Chicago.

Michael O'Neil
Partnerships & Policy, Airbnb

Michael currently works on the Partnerships and Policy team for Airbnb. Previously, Michael served in the Office of the Chief of Staff and Presidential Personnel Office in the Obama White House. Michael was the Midwest Finance Director and was the Ohio Primary Political Director the Obama '08 campaign. Michael is proud to be from the Buckeye State, and currently lives in Chicago.

Derek Parham Former Deputy CTO, Hillary for America Derek has over 13 years of experience as an entrepreneur and tech lead. He was the founding engineer for Google Apps (now called G-Suite) and grew the team to over 100 engineers and serviced 40 million customers. 

Derek Parham
Former Deputy CTO, Hillary for America

Derek has over 13 years of experience as an entrepreneur and tech lead. He was the founding engineer for Google Apps (now called G-Suite) and grew the team to over 100 engineers and serviced 40 million customers. 

Michael Podhorzer Political Director, AFL-CIO Mike is Political Director of the AFL-CIO.  He has been innovating data and technology in politics since 2003, and serves as Chair of Catalist and the Analyst Institute.  He is based in Washington, DC.  

Michael Podhorzer
Political Director, AFL-CIO

Mike is Political Director of the AFL-CIO.  He has been innovating data and technology in politics since 2003, and serves as Chair of Catalist and the Analyst Institute.  He is based in Washington, DC.  

Jeff Potter Technologist Jeff has deep engineering experience and helps companies build great Internet technology,  He recently worked as VP of Engineering at Food 52, and before that built up and managed the backend engineering team at Hillary for America. Lives in NYC. 

Jeff Potter
Technologist

Jeff has deep engineering experience and helps companies build great Internet technology,  He recently worked as VP of Engineering at Food 52, and before that built up and managed the backend engineering team at Hillary for America. Lives in NYC. 

 
Dan Pupius CEO, Habitat Dan is the former head of engineering at Medium. Previously, he was a Software Engineer at Google where he worked on Google+, Gmail, and GChat. His new company is exploring how software can cultivate healthy, inclusive, and creative organizations. Lives in the Bay Area.

Dan Pupius
CEO, Habitat

Dan is the former head of engineering at Medium. Previously, he was a Software Engineer at Google where he worked on Google+, Gmail, and GChat. His new company is exploring how software can cultivate healthy, inclusive, and creative organizations. Lives in the Bay Area.

Harper Reed Entrepreneur in Residence, PayPal Harper is a hacker/engineer building paradigm-shifting tech. Currently Entrepreneur in Residence in Next Generation Commerce at PayPal, previously Founder at Modest, CTO at Obama for America, and CTO at Threadless.com. Lives in Chicago. 

Harper Reed
Entrepreneur in Residence, PayPal

Harper is a hacker/engineer building paradigm-shifting tech. Currently Entrepreneur in Residence in Next Generation Commerce at PayPal, previously Founder at Modest, CTO at Obama for America, and CTO at Threadless.com. Lives in Chicago. 

Alex Roetter VP Software, Kitty Hawk Alex leads software development for electric personal flying machines. Previously, he was the SVP of Engineering at Twitter, where he was responsible for all engineering and operations. Lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Alex Roetter
VP Software, Kitty Hawk

Alex leads software development for electric personal flying machines. Previously, he was the SVP of Engineering at Twitter, where he was responsible for all engineering and operations. Lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Michael Slaby Founder, Timshel Michael has spent his career at the intersection of politics and technology. He was the Chief Technology Officer for Obama '08 and the Chief Innovation Officer for Obama '12. He lives in Chicago. 

Michael Slaby
Founder, Timshel

Michael has spent his career at the intersection of politics and technology. He was the Chief Technology Officer for Obama '08 and the Chief Innovation Officer for Obama '12. He lives in Chicago. 

 
Lynda Tran Founding Partner, 270 Strategies Lynda is a leading expert on messaging and communication for organizations focused on engagement. Formerly, she was the National Press Secretary for OFA and worked at the Department of Transportation. She lives in DC. 

Lynda Tran
Founding Partner, 270 Strategies

Lynda is a leading expert on messaging and communication for organizations focused on engagement. Formerly, she was the National Press Secretary for OFA and worked at the Department of Transportation. She lives in DC. 

Colin Vernon Technologist and Product Lead Colin is a creative technology leader with deep engineering experience. He most recently served as an Engineering Principal at Medium, Head of Product at Speakable PBC, and VP of Software Engineering at littlebits. Lives in NYC. 

Colin Vernon
Technologist and Product Lead

Colin is a creative technology leader with deep engineering experience. He most recently served as an Engineering Principal at Medium, Head of Product at Speakable PBC, and VP of Software Engineering at littlebits. Lives in NYC. 

Tommy Vietor Founder, Crooked Media Tommy has been a longtime communications aide to President Obama. Served as the spokesperson for the National Security Council, Assistant White House Press Secretary, and Iowa Press Secretary for the Obama '08 race. Lives in LA. 

Tommy Vietor
Founder, Crooked Media

Tommy has been a longtime communications aide to President Obama. Served as the spokesperson for the National Security Council, Assistant White House Press Secretary, and Iowa Press Secretary for the Obama '08 race. Lives in LA. 

Tom Wheeler Former Chairman, FCC Tom served as Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission under President Obama from 2013 - 2017.  Tom is a prominent investor, entrepreneur, author, and advocate in the telecom, media, and wireless start-up ecosystem. Lives in DC.

Tom Wheeler
Former Chairman, FCC

Tom served as Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission under President Obama from 2013 - 2017.  Tom is a prominent investor, entrepreneur, author, and advocate in the telecom, media, and wireless start-up ecosystem. Lives in DC.

 
Bryan Whitaker Chief Innovation Officer, TargetSmart Bryan builds Progressive and Democratic data infrastructure and data-driven strategies. CTO for the Democratic Party during Obama’s 2012 campaign; founded the data and technology department at SEIU. Lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Bryan Whitaker
Chief Innovation Officer, TargetSmart

Bryan builds Progressive and Democratic data infrastructure and data-driven strategies. CTO for the Democratic Party during Obama’s 2012 campaign; founded the data and technology department at SEIU. Lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Buffy Wicks Founder, Rise Strategies Buffy has been organizer across the country for the past 15 years. She served in the Obama White House and was the Director, Operation Vote for Obama '12. She is an industry leader on constituent outreach and engagement. Lives in Oakland. 

Buffy Wicks
Founder, Rise Strategies

Buffy has been organizer across the country for the past 15 years. She served in the Obama White House and was the Director, Operation Vote for Obama '12. She is an industry leader on constituent outreach and engagement. Lives in Oakland. 

Mike Yang Investment Advisor Mike is an investment advisor at the forefront of progressive political investing and giving. He served as General Counsel at Pinterest and Deputy General Counsel at Google, and prior to his tech career, he worked in the California State Senate and U.S House of Representatives. Lives in Oakland, CA.

Mike Yang
Investment Advisor

Mike is an investment advisor at the forefront of progressive political investing and giving. He served as General Counsel at Pinterest and Deputy General Counsel at Google, and prior to his tech career, he worked in the California State Senate and U.S House of Representatives. Lives in Oakland, CA.

 
 

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