#USA #Dayton #Kettering Foundation #Stacey Abrams #David French

Kettering Foundation Welcomes Two Prominent Figures in Democracy

In an exciting development for democracy advocacy, the Charles F. Kettering Foundation has announced the appointment of two influential figures in journalism and public service—Stacey Abrams and David French—as its senior fellows. This move is aimed at strengthening the foundation's mission to advocate for inclusive democracy and to combat the myriad forces that threaten democratic values.

The New Senior Fellows

Stacey Abrams, a recognized voting rights activist, has made significant strides in her career as a political leader, entrepreneur, and author. Her tenure as minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives marks a historic first, as she was the first Black woman to be gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States. Throughout her career, Abrams has advocated for voting rights and has implemented policies to enhance democratic engagement. She has also co-founded multiple successful companies, including those in financial services and media, paving the way for significant contributions to public policy and civic engagement.

David French, a prominent columnist for The New York Times, comes with a rich background in law and journalism. A graduate of Harvard Law School, French has worn many hats, including being a constitutional litigator and a senior editor at The Dispatch. His writings often address pressing political issues and offer insights on safeguarding individual rights. French is also a veteran of the United States Army Reserve, where he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and received the Bronze Star. His experience as an author, with books that resonate with the current social and political landscape, cements his role as a credible voice in democracy advocacy.

The Impact of Their Appointments

The introduction of Abrams and French to the Kettering Foundation cements a vision where leading thinkers from diverse fields unite to support democracy. The foundation is home to a network of senior fellows who are celebrated for their thought leadership and commitment to public service, joining the ranks of distinguished individuals such as Judy Woodruff and Kathleen Sebelius.

Sharon L. Davies, the Foundation’s President, expressed optimism about their contributions, stating, "Our newest fellows are distinguished leaders and courageous voices in defense of democracy. We are eager to collaborate with them as we strive to advance inclusive practices in democratic engagement."

In addition to their current projects, Abrams and French will also take part in Kettering's blog series, podcast appearances, and public discussions, thereby enhancing the foundation's outreach and engagement.

Kettering Foundation's Ongoing Mission

Founded in 1927 in Dayton, Ohio, the Charles F. Kettering Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting democratic principles around the globe. The foundation has been active in researching the needs of democracies and promoting citizen engagement, government accountability, and the counteraction of authoritarianism worldwide.

These new appointments are a testament to Kettering's commitment to fostering a more responsive and inclusive political environment. By integrating the expertise of Abrams and French, the foundation aims to amplify its initiatives that will ultimately work towards a healthier democratic future.

As the landscape of democracy continues to evolve, the Kettering Foundation remains at the forefront, ready to tackle the challenges ahead with the support of its new senior fellows.