Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner has joined the Center for American Progress as executive vice president of communications and strategy, bringing decades of experience in strategic communications, national security, and public affairs to help advance CAP’s policy and communications agenda. At CAP, Toner will help guide the organization’s strategic direction, strengthen its communications efforts, and support the development and promotion of bold policy solutions to address America’s greatest challenges.
During his tenure at the State Department, Toner served in a number of senior leadership roles, including as deputy and acting spokesperson under three consecutive secretaries of state, where he led daily press briefings. He also served as acting assistant secretary of global public affairs. Most recently, he served as U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, where he strengthened bilateral relations with a key regional partner. He holds a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (Eisenhower School) and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. He began his career in West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer.
“Mark Toner has spent his career at the highest levels of public service, navigating complex global challenges and persuasively communicating in ways that build trust and support,” said Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress. “His experience leading strategic communications and his deep understanding of policy will strengthen CAP’s ability to connect our work to audiences in new ways with new strategies.”
“I look forward to joining the superb team at CAP at this critical juncture and working to ensure its voice is part of the important conversations Americans are having about the future,” said Toner.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].