Washington, D.C. – Today, the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) announced that Sarah Paden, Vice President and Chief Political Director at PPI, is one of 60 scholars selected to join the prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholars’ (PLS) ninth class. For nearly a decade, PLS has served as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and create meaningful change in the United States and around the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson and their administrations.
Paden has more than a decade of experience in campaigns and government relations at the local, state, and federal levels. Prior to PPI, Sarah served as head of the New York State Federal Affairs office in the Hall of States, during which time she led New York’s federal pandemic response, the state’s 2020 census effort, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s chairship at the National Governors Association.
“I’m honored to be selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar and learn from former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics as part of this prestigious program,” said Sarah Paden. “I look forward to connecting with other key leaders from across the nation to address our country’s biggest challenges and push our communities forward.”
At PPI, Paden has led the organization’s international, national, and state outreach and shaped its political agenda, including launching the Women in Policy Alliance, a network for women professionals and policymakers. Paden’s previous work includes party and coalition building, leading the campaign to designate June Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York in 2013, building the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. She has also worked for the Manhattan Democratic Party and New York State Democratic Party, creating and launching the Demmy Awards to highlight up-and-coming stars in the Democratic Party. She also served as Political Director and Senior Advisor on Cuomo 2018 and is a 2016 Hillary for America alum.
Over the course of the program, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact in the communities they serve.
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org. Find an expert at PPI and follow us on Twitter.
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Media Contact: Amelia Fox; afox@ppionline.org
