Dear John,

After 14 years at the American Immigration Council, I will be leaving my post this week to move to Atlanta and join the Arthur M. Blank Foundation.
 
I began at the Council in 2008, in the early months of the first Obama administration, and helped to build the amazing footprint of our policy team. In 2010, I moved into the role of lifting all our work as communications director and learned so much about our work to protect, defend, and ensure the future of due process and productive immigration policy. I remain in awe of the brave, innovative, and groundbreaking work we do. The Council has grown and changed in ways I would have never imagined, and I could not be prouder. 

After the 2016 election cycle, I turned my attention to understanding those Americans who do not share my views on immigration but who have been shaped by a range of circumstances and life experiences that led them to a different outlook than my own. That experience changed me, taught me, and pulled me in new directions. I am excited to begin work on the broader goal of preserving and renewing American democracy.

In my new role at the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, I will lead their giving on a new democracy portfolio as a Managing Director and Public Policy Advisor. I believe now is the right time to join with others to ensure a more pluralistic democratic future that is representative of the needs of everyone who calls America home.

While I am sad to leave the organization and the Center for Inclusion and Belonging, which I founded, I am excited for what's ahead. The merger we are undergoing with New American Economy is a bold and strategic move. The combined talent and vision of the two organizations, with AILA as our partner, makes the American Immigration Council the strongest it has ever been. 

I leave with a heavy heart, but also with a deep respect for each of you. You do difficult and important work. Please take care of yourselves and lift each other up. I know I will be lifting you up every opportunity I get. 

With my warmest wishes, 

         

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