I'm a strategist and organization-builder working to advance democracy and build a world where everyone can thrive.  

I'm currently an independent organizer and consultant, an adjunct professor of political science at Northwestern University, and Senior Democracy Fellow with Propel, an investment and philanthropic venture. In 2022, I was a Pritzker Fellow at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics, studying democracy renewal with a movement-building lens. I regularly serve as a strategic advisor to US-based political and civic organizations and initiatives. 

I'm currently focused on 1) advancing the pro-democracy movement's readiness for a range of scenarios in 2025 and beyond, and 2) developing long-term strategy in collaboration with cohorts of national civil society leaders and funders. Other recent projects include convening leaders to help address the threat of white Christian nationalism; designing multi-year progressive power-building frameworks and plans; counseling organizations on governance reforms and executive transitions; advising political donors; and supporting national coalition efforts (like this one) to defend our elections. 

I previously spent 7 years as Executive Director of MoveOn Civic Action, mobilizing millions of grassroots members in campaigns to extend & defend access to health care; to protect democracy against accelerating assaults; to fight for the dignity and safety of immigrants; and much more. I led a top-to-bottom overhaul of MoveOn in a time of tremendous growth, increased visibility, and impact. In close partnership with MoveOn PAC Executive Director Ilya Sheyman, I quadrupled MoveOn's budget and base of sustaining donors, tripled our staff team, and dramatically grew our membership and reach. We also raised millions of dollars for other organizations and for humanitarian relief.

My current work is mostly behind the scenes, but my work in national media over the years has included numerous appearances on MSNBC, CNN, and CSPAN, and interviews with print publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Glamour Magazine, Huffington Post, and a range of other outlets. My writing has appeared in outlets including The Nation and ImpactAlpha. 

I serve as chair of the board of MoveOn, and as a member of the boards of Public Citizen and the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I'm an Advisory Board member for the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, and a volunteer advisor to a number of other activist efforts and civic start-ups. I live in the Chicago area.