Washington, D.C. — Brent J. Cohen will join Generation Progress as the new executive director and become the Center for American Progress’ first vice president for Youth Engagement, the organizations announced today. With more than 10 years of experience advocating for young people, Cohen will lead the efforts of Generation Progress and CAP to tackle the issues that most impact young Americans and to mobilize young people for progressive change.
“Young people are the leaders of the progressive movement. For over a decade, Generation Progress has been advocating with and for young people to find progressive solutions to key political and social challenges,” said Neera Tanden, president and CEO of CAP. “By promoting racial equity, fighting for criminal justice reform, and removing barriers to higher education, Brent has spent his life empowering America’s youth. We are excited to have his vision at CAP and lead Generation Progress’ efforts into the future.”
“I am thrilled to join an incredibly talented and committed team, and I am looking forward to building on the important work Generation Progress has done to engage and mobilize Millennial and Generation Z voters on the issues we care most about,” Cohen said. “Together, we will make sure our voices are heard and our votes are counted so that our democracy regains its balance and our elected officials reflect our values.”
Cohen joins Generation Progress and CAP from the Public Service Consulting Group, where he led efforts to advance racial equity and reduce incarceration. Previously, he served as the vice president and interim CEO of JustLeadershipUSA. There, he worked with communities most affected by the criminal justice system to find effective policy solutions. Before joining JustLeadershipUSA, Cohen served in the Obama administration as a senior policy adviser in the Department of Justice and a 2013–2014 White House Fellow. Cohen brings a wealth of experience working at the intersection of policy, politics, and advocacy, as well as a long track record of fighting for a more equitable future.
For more information or to speak to an expert, contact Giovanni Rocco at [email protected].