Washington, D.C. — Anne Knapke has joined the Center for American Progress as a senior fellow focused on food and agriculture policy and the rural economy. At CAP, Knapke will lead efforts to develop and advance forward-looking policy ideas that benefit consumers, farmers, and rural communities alike.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Anne to CAP,” said Neera Tanden, president and CEO of CAP. “Her experience across agriculture, food systems, and rural economic policy will be instrumental as we build a bold agenda that lowers costs, improves health and well-being, does right by American farmers and ranchers, and expands opportunity in rural communities across the country.”
Knapke brings more than two decades of experience advancing food and nutrition security policy. She served as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the Biden administration and previously served as the deputy assistant secretary of congressional relations. She also has served as legislative director for U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
Knapke has held senior roles at the Meridian Institute, where she led strategy at the intersection of climate and agriculture, and at the Gates Foundation, where she focused on global nutrition and agricultural development.
At CAP, Knapke will build a progressive strategy for food and agriculture policy and work closely with economic policy experts to help drive the development of a policy agenda that benefits rural America. Her work will include engaging stakeholders across sectors to elevate ideas that are inclusive and responsive to farmers, consumers, and rural communities.
Knapke grew up in Butler County in rural southwest Ohio and was active in FFA and 4-H. A graduate of The Ohio State University and the University of Chicago, she now lives in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].