David Lanham Joins New America as Vice President of Content and Communications

Washington, DC – David Lanham, an experienced public policy communications leader, has joined New America as Vice President of Content and Communications. Lanham will support New America by overseeing and evolving its overall communications strategy as well as directing events, publications, social and traditional media, and digital communications functions at a time when the organization is expanding its reach.

Lanham served most recently as Senior Director of Communications at Brookings Metro, where he led communications efforts for six years and managed the research program’s communications strategy, media relations, social media, writing and editing, visual design, and events management operations. During his tenure at Brookings, Lanham helped modernize the organization’s racial/ethnic terminologies in its writing style guide, and encouraged the Associated Press and other media outlets to standardize the capitalization of “Black” when describing people and communities.

Prior to his tenure at Brookings, Lanham was a communications leader in the environmental and sustainability spaces, guiding efforts at the National Environmental Education Foundation and the Alliance to Save Energy.

“I’m passionate about expanding access to trustworthy information, contributing to solutions that reduce inequities, and improving the livelihoods of all people,” Lanham noted. “New America’s vision and values are aligned with my priorities, and I look forward to bringing the organization’s impactful work to new audiences.”

“New America is committed to developing solutions that renew the promise of America by advancing equity,” said New America President and Chief Transformation Officer Paul E. Butler. “With David’s extensive background in that area, he’s the right person to help us share the story of our mission.”

Lanham holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the College of William and Mary.

About New America: We are dedicated to renewing the promise of America, bringing us closer to our nation’s highest ideals. We’re a different kind of think tank: one dedicated to public problem solving. Our team of visionary researchers, changemakers, technologists, and storytellers study and seize the opportunities presented by dramatic social and technological change. We search for powerful ideas, wherever they are, and collaborate with civic innovators around the country to develop evidence-based solutions.