Washington, D.C. — Today, Generation Progress named Maggie Thompson as its new Executive Director following the departure of Anne Johnson, who had held the post since March 2012. Generation Progress also named Layla Zaidane as its new Managing Director.
“For over a decade, Generation Progress has been at the forefront of shaping the progressive movement, engaging Millennials, and mobilizing a generation to action,” said Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress. “Maggie and Layla have been leaders at Generation Progress for years, and I look forward to having their voices and passion on the executive leadership team. I have no doubt that their experiences tackling the most pressing issues facing young people today will be critical in continuing to guide progressive change in our country.”
Most recently, Thompson served as Campaign Manager for Generation Progress’ Higher Ed, Not Debt campaign, where she led a multiyear effort and a coalition of dozens of organizations around the country to tackle the growing issue of student debt in America. Thompson has been with Generation Progress for more than two years and has been a leading voice in the student debt movement, elevating it from a low-priority issue to a national talking point debated on local, state, and national stages. In her new role as Executive Director, Thompson will not only oversee the myriad issue campaigns managed by Generation Progress but also remain active in student debt advocacy nationwide.
Zaidane most recently served as Communications Director for Generation Progress, where she led the organization’s comprehensive communications programs, including digital media campaigns, press outreach, and email marketing strategy. A part of Generation Progress for four years, Zaidane helped launch the It’s On Us campaign, the incredibly successful national effort to change the way we think about sexual assault. It’s On Us has since made more than 2 billion digital impressions; has grown to see events in 48 states; and has engaged individuals on college campuses, as well as national public and private organizations.
Johnson departs after nearly four years at the helm, where she spearheaded the rebranding effort in 2013 to change the organization’s name from Campus Progress to the current Generation Progress. During her tenure, Generation Progress expanded its focus beyond college-aged activism into an inclusive movement that engages an entire generation of Millennial activists on the critical issues that matter.
For more information or to speak with an expert from Generation Progress, please contact Kyle Epstein at [email protected] or 202.481.8137.
For more information or to speak with an expert from Center for American Progress, please contact Sally Tucker at [email protected] or 202.481.8103.
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