Hobart and William Smith Colleges President Mark D. Gearan has been named to the Board of Directors for Public Agenda, a national organization dedicated to strengthening democracy through research and public engagement.
Gearan, a longtime leader in higher education and public service, will serve a three-year term with the nonprofit, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1975, Public Agenda partners with journalists, policymakers, and advocates to promote civic participation and help communities address complex issues like education, healthcare, and jobs. The group focuses on elevating public voice in policymaking — a mission Gearan says he’s proud to support.
“I am honored to join the board of Public Agenda during their 50th anniversary year,” Gearan said. “I am excited to support the vital work Public Agenda does to unite people, inform decision-making and strengthen democracy.”
Gearan brings decades of leadership experience to the board. He has served as Director of the Peace Corps, White House Communications Director, and Director of Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. He has also chaired several national service and education boards, including National Campus Compact and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
“We are truly grateful for Mark Gearan’s willingness to serve,” said Andrew J. Seligsohn, President of Public Agenda. “His expertise and dedication to public service will be invaluable to our organization.”
Gearan, a cum laude graduate of Harvard College and Georgetown Law, has been president of HWS for 21 years.
For more on Public Agenda and its mission, visit publicagenda.org.
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