Brookings Institution Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brookings Institution has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, technology, and research.

Driven by rigorous analysis, Brookings Institution is dedicated to providing actionable insights that address complex societal challenges through nonpartisan research and policy recommendations.

Leadership Roles at Brookings Institution

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Smith
  • President - Cecilia Rouse
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Joseph Rooney
  • Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Shawn Chernousov
  • Foreign Policy Chief of Staff - Andrew Moffatt
  • Chief Information Officer, Emeritus - Jane Fishkin
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - April Lueben
  • Development Chief of Staff - Sarah Savoy
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Ankur Bhatt
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive - Elizabeth Stanley
  • John Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    John Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Brookings Institution, directs the overall strategy and operational framework for the organization's public policy research. Smith oversees the translation of academic inquiry into practical solutions for policymakers and civic stakeholders, ensuring the institution's work addresses complex societal challenges. This leadership role involves guiding the multidisciplinary approach across economics, governance, international affairs, and social policy, producing analysis that informs decision-making at local, national, and global scales. By maintaining a commitment to nonpartisan analysis, John Smith ensures evidence-based perspectives are presented that transcend ideological boundaries, directly impacting the institution's market position and influence. Smith's executive oversight extends to fostering collaborations with government officials, corporate executives, and nonprofit leaders, solidifying the institution's role as a trusted source of actionable insights.

    Cecilia Rouse - President

    Cecilia Rouse, the President at Brookings Institution, leads the overall strategic direction and vision for the organization's commitment to generating actionable insights that address complex societal challenges. Rouse guides the institution's rigorous, in-depth research across economics, governance, international affairs, and social policy, ensuring the translation of academic inquiry into practical solutions for policymakers and civic stakeholders. This paramount leadership role involves championing the institution's dedication to nonpartisan analysis and evidence-based perspectives that transcend ideological boundaries. By fostering collaborations and setting the intellectual agenda, Cecilia Rouse ensures Brookings maintains its position as a leading authority, producing comprehensive reports and policy briefs that inform decision-making at local, national, and global scales. Rouse's leadership drives the institution's impact and its mission to provide critical analysis for a better world.

    Joseph Rooney - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Joseph Rooney, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, manages the operational execution of strategic initiatives and supports the President and CEO in driving organizational priorities. Rooney ensures seamless coordination across various departments, facilitating the efficient translation of research findings into policy recommendations. This role involves optimizing internal processes and enhancing communication channels to support the institution's mission of generating actionable insights for complex societal challenges. By overseeing key administrative functions, Joseph Rooney contributes to the rigorous, in-depth research conducted across economics, governance, international affairs, and social policy. Rooney's focus on operational efficiency directly supports the production of comprehensive reports and policy briefs that inform decision-making at local, national, and global scales, reinforcing the institution's commitment to nonpartisan analysis.

    Shawn Chernousov - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Shawn Chernousov, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookings Institution, architects the human capital strategy to support the organization's mission of generating actionable insights. Chernousov oversees talent acquisition, development, and retention programs, ensuring the institution attracts and retains leading scholars and practitioners with deep subject matter expertise. This leadership position is critical for fostering a collaborative and productive research environment that drives rigorous, in-depth analysis across economics, governance, international affairs, and social policy. By championing employee engagement and organizational development, Shawn Chernousov ensures the human resources function aligns with the institution's commitment to nonpartisan, evidence-based perspectives. Chernousov's strategic direction for human resources directly impacts the institution's capacity to produce comprehensive reports and policy briefs that inform decision-making at all levels.

    Andrew Moffatt - Foreign Policy Chief of Staff

    Andrew Moffatt, the Foreign Policy Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, directs the operational and strategic coordination for the institution's extensive work in international affairs. Moffatt ensures that research and analysis in global governance, security, and diplomacy are effectively translated into actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. This role is pivotal in managing the execution of projects that examine pressing international issues, contributing to the institution's reputation for rigorous, in-depth research. By facilitating collaboration among scholars and practitioners focused on global challenges, Andrew Moffatt enhances the production of comprehensive reports and policy briefs. Moffatt's leadership ensures the institution's analysis on international relations reflects the interconnected nature of modern governance and economic systems, supporting evidence-based decision-making on a global scale.

    Jane Fishkin - Chief Information Officer, Emeritus

    Jane Fishkin, the Chief Information Officer, Emeritus at Brookings Institution, provides strategic guidance and historical perspective on the institution's technology infrastructure and digital initiatives. Fishkin's advisory role supports the ongoing efforts to leverage technology for rigorous research and the dissemination of actionable insights across various policy domains. This emeritus position ensures that the institution benefits from deep institutional knowledge regarding information systems and data management, crucial for translating academic inquiry into practical solutions. By contributing expertise on technology strategy, Jane Fishkin aids in maintaining the integrity and accessibility of the institution's research outputs, including comprehensive reports and policy briefs. Fishkin's legacy informs the institution's commitment to utilizing advanced technological capabilities to support nonpartisan analysis and inform decision-making.

    April Lueben - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    April Lueben, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookings Institution, supports the Chief Human Resources Officer in executing human capital strategies that align with the organization's research and policy objectives. Lueben assists in managing talent acquisition, employee development, and HR operations, ensuring a robust support system for scholars and staff engaged in rigorous, in-depth research. This role is integral to fostering a productive work environment that enables the translation of academic inquiry into practical solutions for complex societal challenges. By contributing to the implementation of HR policies and programs, April Lueben enhances the institution's ability to attract and retain experts in economics, governance, international affairs, and social policy. Lueben's efforts directly support the institution's capacity to produce high-quality analysis and maintain its commitment to nonpartisan perspectives.

    Sarah Savoy - Development Chief of Staff

    Sarah Savoy, the Development Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, manages the strategic execution of fundraising initiatives and donor relations to support the organization's public policy research. Savoy ensures that development efforts align with the institution's mission to generate actionable insights and address complex societal challenges through rigorous analysis. This role is critical in cultivating relationships with stakeholders who contribute to the funding of research across economics, governance, international affairs, and social policy. By overseeing key development operations, Sarah Savoy facilitates the production of comprehensive reports and policy briefs that inform decision-making at local, national, and global scales. Savoy's leadership in development directly supports the institution's capacity to maintain its commitment to nonpartisan analysis and its broad market impact.

    Ankur Bhatt - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Ankur Bhatt, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Brookings Institution, architects the technological infrastructure and digital strategy to advance the organization's research and dissemination capabilities. Bhatt oversees the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions that support rigorous, in-depth analysis across all policy domains, ensuring actionable insights are effectively produced. This leadership position is crucial for translating academic inquiry into practical solutions by leveraging cutting-edge tools and platforms. By driving technological advancements, Ankur Bhatt enhances the institution's capacity to manage complex data, facilitate collaboration among scholars, and deliver comprehensive reports and policy briefs. Bhatt's strategic vision for technology directly supports the institution's commitment to nonpartisan analysis and its ability to inform decision-making at local, national, and global scales.
    Ankur Bhatt

    Elizabeth Stanley - Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive

    Elizabeth Stanley, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive at Brookings Institution, supports the Chief of Staff in managing the day-to-day operations and strategic execution of key initiatives. Stanley ensures efficient coordination and administrative oversight, facilitating the seamless flow of information and resources necessary for rigorous public policy research. This role is integral to translating academic inquiry into practical solutions by optimizing internal workflows and supporting the leadership team. By contributing to the effective management of institutional operations, Elizabeth Stanley enhances the organization's capacity to address complex societal challenges across economics, governance, international affairs, and social policy. Stanley's focus on operational excellence directly supports the production of high-quality analysis and the institution's commitment to nonpartisan perspectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brookings Institution Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brookings Institution?
    Brookings Institution is led by John Smith (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cecilia Rouse (President) and Joseph Rooney (Vice President, Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Brookings Institution’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brookings Institution includes leaders such as John Smith (Chief Executive Officer), Cecilia Rouse (President), Joseph Rooney (Vice President, Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brookings Institution have?
    Brookings Institution has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brookings Institution’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brookings Institution includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Foreign Policy Chief of Staff.