Washington, D.C. — Stephanie Sutton, a senior executive with 20 years of experience in management, operations, and external affairs across the government, nonprofit, private, and political sectors, is joining the Center for American Progress as chief operating officer.
Most recently, Sutton served as acting assistant secretary of the Bureau of Global Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, where she led the department’s $130 million, 350-person global communications team. In that role, she orchestrated strategies to promote policy priorities, implemented the department’s use of new technology and tools, and expanded the bureau’s crisis response capabilities.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the CAP team,” said Neera Tanden, president and CEO of CAP. “Her record achieving high-impact results at the State Department and throughout her career make her a perfect fit to help guide CAP’s mission as our country faces unprecedented challenges.”
Previously, Sutton served as chief of staff to the under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the State Department, where she helped lead the government’s $1.5 billion, 5,000-person global public diplomacy enterprise. There, she aligned resources with policy priorities, launched projects to train and communicate with a globally dispersed workforce, and developed new partnerships for the U.S. government.
“I am thrilled to join CAP—particularly at this moment and under Neera’s visionary leadership,” Sutton said. “Our mission—improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action—has never been more important. I am eager to focus on CAP’s operations and empower our team to continue realizing that mission.”
Her earlier roles include director of external affairs at Global Ties U.S., senior vice president at Edelman, and chief of staff in the State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs. She received her Bachelor of Arts in government from Georgetown University.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].