WASHINGTON — Freedom House is pleased to announce Marian Currinder will join the organization as the new director for US democracy. In her role, Currinder will oversee the development and implementation of Freedom House’s work to strengthen and support American democracy, as well as Americans’ understanding of and commitment to a vibrant democratic system. For more than eight decades, Freedom House has been a nonpartisan analyst and vocal advocate for freedom and democracy in the United States and around the world.
“Throughout her career Marian has been a leading voice for transparency, accountability, and more effective and efficient government institutions,” said Freedom House president Michael J. Abramowitz. “I am thrilled to welcome her to Freedom House as we expand our nonpartisan programming
and analysis to strengthen U.S. democracy and American commitment to democratic values.”
Currinder brings extensive experience to the role, most recently working as a professional staff member on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, and as a consultant to the Carter Center’s “U.S. Elections” initiative in the Center’s Democracy Program. Previously, she held leadership positions at LegBranch.org, Transparency International, and the Center for Political Accountability. She also served as a Senior Fellow and Curriculum Chair at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, and as an Assistant Professor of American Politics at the College of Charleston.
The author of Money in the House: Campaign Funds and Congressional Parties and coauthor of the textbook Congress in Context, Currinder holds a doctorate in political science and government from the University of Florida.
As director for US democracy, Currinder will expand Freedom House’s nonpartisan and analytical efforts to address democratic backsliding in the United States, work to advocate for strong democratic institutions and processes, and promote a strong understanding of democratic values among the American population.
“Freedom House has long been at the forefront of identifying the challenges facing democracy in the United States and around the world,” said Currinder. “I look forward to working as a part of the organization’s talented team to strengthen American democratic institutions and build broader public support for the country’s vibrant democracy, so that it may better deliver on democracy’s promise.”
