Washington, D.C. — Amanda Howe, a veteran progressive leader, is joining the Center for American Progress as Chief Operating Officer.
“I am excited to welcome Amanda to the CAP team,” said Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of CAP. “She is a proven leader who has helped countless organizations and campaigns fulfill their missions and operate at the highest levels. At this time of great change and challenge, her decades of experience in driving progress will ensure that CAP and the broader progressive movement are able to build the more just, more equitable, and ultimately stronger country that we all know is possible.”
“So much is at stake right now for our people, planet, and the defense of democracy itself,” said Howe. “Progress is rarely linear and self-perpetuating. It takes zigs and zags and always demands the most of those in its service. CAP is a powerful rudder, guiding progress—and is home to both ambition and talent. I’m excited to join this team and support this crucial work.”
Howe has helped lead progressive change in government, politics, and the nonprofit sector for more than two decades. She most recently was nominated to serve as assistant administrator, Office of Mission Support at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She previously served as chief operating officer for the Kamala Harris For The People presidential campaign in 2019. She also held the same role for the Democratic National Committee before, during, and after the Obama-Biden 2012 reelection campaign, and she oversaw a budget of $96 million and a staff of more than 450 people. She was a senior adviser to the president of Everytown for Gun Safety and to the Maya Wiley for Mayor campaign in New York City. Amanda served as deputy and then acting chief of staff to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in his first term. As a consultant to New York City, she helped plan the first-ever ticker-tape parade for a women’s team following the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s World Cup win. She also helped plan the procession through Central Park as part of the official visit of Pope Francis. She also served as vice president of the nonprofit American Council on Renewable Energy in Washington, D.C.
In Virginia, Howe served as assistant secretary of commerce and trade for then-Gov. Mark R. Warner (D) and led the planning of the Virginia portion of the most recent U.S. official visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 2007 for then-Gov. Tim Kaine (D). Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.
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