Washington, D.C. — Today, the Center for American Progress announced that William Roberts will lead CAP’s Rights and Justice department as senior vice president. Roberts will also lead the organization’s crosscutting work on bold, large-scale policy solutions that advance rights, justice, racial equity and seize the current opportunity to build a better America where all people have an equal opportunity to thrive. His portfolio includes leading the development and execution of policy that cuts across the issues of criminal justice, disability justice, gun violence prevention, immigration, LGBTQI+ rights, and racial equity and justice.
“It seems that every day, we read new headlines about despicable right-wing attacks on America’s most marginalized communities. It is clear that we are at a crossroads in the fight for civil rights and equal justice. At this crucial moment, I can think of no one better to lead CAP’s crosscutting rights and justice and racial equity work than William Roberts,” said Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of CAP. “CAP has long benefited from Will’s legal and policy expertise and his deep foundation in civil rights, as well as his practical experience working in and out of government. I’m excited for what he will bring to the role, and I look forward to the ways his leadership will help us continue to innovate and make progress in the fight for a more just and equitable society.”
Prior to being named CAP’s senior vice president for Rights and Justice, Roberts was the managing director for Structural Reform and Governance at American Progress, leading the organization’s democracy and voting rights work, while playing a strategic role in its courts and legal policy agenda. Roberts has broad expertise in civil rights, racial justice, and pro-democracy work, in addition to a diverse set of domestic policy issues and deep experience in government and advocacy. Before his years at CAP, Roberts was legislative director and chief counsel for Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). He earned his Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts at Howard University.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Julia Cusick at [email protected].