Brookings Institution Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brookings Institution has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, human capital, technology, information systems, operations, and policy development.

Committed to rigorous nonpartisan research, Brookings Institution advances evidence-based solutions to complex societal challenges through multidisciplinary analysis and global engagement with policymakers and civic leaders.

Leadership Roles at Brookings Institution

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

    John Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Brookings Institution, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit public policy research organization. Smith oversees the alignment of empirical investigation with practical policy recommendations, ensuring the institution maintains its reputation for nonpartisan, evidence-based analysis. By managing relationships with global stakeholders and corporate partners, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of research initiatives across economics and governance. This leadership role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams to address pressing societal challenges on both domestic and international fronts. Through the optimization of organizational resources, John Smith secures the long-term sustainability of the research mission. The Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment where scholars translate complex data into actionable insights for policymakers. Ultimately, Smith ensures the institution remains a primary source for high-impact thought leadership that informs decision-making at local, national, and global scales.

    Joseph Rooney - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Rooney, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Brookings Institution, directs the internal business operations and infrastructure that sustain the organization's research output. Rooney architects the operational frameworks that allow for the seamless execution of multidisciplinary projects across economics, governance, and social policy. By overseeing facilities, financial planning, and administrative services, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that scholars operate within a stable and efficient environment. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and other C-suite leaders to optimize the institution's fiscal health and operational capacity. Joseph Rooney drives the implementation of policies that support the institution's nonpartisan mission while maintaining high standards of research integrity. Through the management of day-to-day operations, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer enables the institution to translate complex academic inquiry into practical solutions for policymakers and civic stakeholders worldwide.
    Joseph Rooney

    Cecilia Rouse - President

    Cecilia Rouse, the President at Brookings Institution, directs the overall mission and strategic direction of this premier public policy research organization. Rouse architects the intellectual agenda, ensuring that the institution continues to produce rigorous, in-depth research that addresses the most pressing societal challenges of the modern era. By overseeing the engagement of scholars and practitioners, the President fosters a culture of evidence-based inquiry that informs decision-making at local, national, and global scales. This leadership role involves representing the institution to government officials, corporate executives, and the broader public to promote nonpartisan analysis. Cecilia Rouse drives the synthesis of complex data into accessible recommendations that bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy solutions. Through the leadership of the institution's multidisciplinary teams, the President ensures that the work remains relevant, impactful, and committed to the highest standards of intellectual excellence.

    Strobe Talbott - President

    Strobe Talbott, the President at Brookings Institution, directs the long-term strategic vision and international outreach efforts of the organization. Talbott architects the institution's approach to global affairs, ensuring that research on international relations and governance remains at the forefront of policy discourse. By overseeing the development of high-level partnerships with global leaders, the President expands the reach and influence of the institution's evidence-based analysis. This leadership role involves guiding the research agenda to address the interconnected nature of modern economic and political systems. Strobe Talbott drives the commitment to nonpartisan inquiry, ensuring that all reports and policy briefs maintain the highest level of credibility and objectivity. Through the cultivation of a global network of experts, the President ensures that the institution provides actionable insights that help policymakers navigate complex international challenges and promote stability in an increasingly interconnected world.

    Shawn Chernousov - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Shawn Chernousov, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookings Institution, manages the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support a world-class research environment. Chernousov architects comprehensive programs that attract top-tier scholars and practitioners, ensuring the institution retains deep subject matter expertise across all policy domains. By overseeing internal culture and professional growth initiatives, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer aligns workforce capabilities with the evolving demands of modern governance research. This leadership role involves implementing performance frameworks that reward rigorous, nonpartisan inquiry. Shawn Chernousov drives the integration of diverse perspectives into the organizational structure, which strengthens the quality of policy briefs and reports. Through the cultivation of a high-performance workplace, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the broader mission of translating academic research into practical solutions for civic stakeholders and business leaders worldwide.

    Ankur Bhatt - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Ankur Bhatt, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Brookings Institution, directs the digital infrastructure and technological innovation required to disseminate complex research findings to a global audience. Bhatt architects scalable platforms that host comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and interactive data visualizations, ensuring accessibility for policymakers and the public. By overseeing the modernization of research tools, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer enables scholars to conduct empirical investigations with greater efficiency and precision. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite members to secure data integrity and enhance the digital reach of the institution's thought leadership. Ankur Bhatt drives the adoption of advanced analytical software that supports the multidisciplinary approach to economics and social policy. Through the implementation of robust technological frameworks, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures the institution remains at the forefront of digital engagement in the public policy sector.
    Ankur Bhatt

    Jane Fishkin - Chief Information Officer, Emeritus

    Jane Fishkin, the Chief Information Officer, Emeritus at Brookings Institution, provides strategic guidance on the long-term management of information systems and data governance. Fishkin advises on the preservation of the institution's extensive research archives, ensuring that historical data remains accessible for ongoing policy analysis. By overseeing the transition of legacy information frameworks, the Chief Information Officer, Emeritus supports the integrity of the organization's empirical investigation methodology. This leadership role involves mentoring technical teams and ensuring that information management practices align with the nonpartisan mission of the institution. Jane Fishkin drives the development of protocols that protect the security of sensitive policy research while facilitating collaboration among scholars. Through the application of deep institutional knowledge, the Chief Information Officer, Emeritus ensures that information systems continue to serve as a reliable foundation for the production of high-quality reports and recommendations that address complex societal challenges.

    Elizabeth Stanley - Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive

    Elizabeth Stanley, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive at Brookings Institution, manages the daily operational flow and administrative coordination of the executive office. Stanley architects efficient workflows that allow the leadership team to focus on high-level strategic initiatives and policy research priorities. By overseeing cross-departmental communication, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive ensures that the institution's multidisciplinary approach remains cohesive and responsive to emerging global issues. This leadership role involves facilitating engagement with government officials and corporate executives during high-stakes conferences and direct consultations. Elizabeth Stanley drives the execution of organizational goals by streamlining administrative processes and optimizing resource allocation. Through the management of complex schedules and stakeholder interactions, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive supports the institution's commitment to producing actionable insights that transcend ideological boundaries and inform decision-making at national and international scales.

    Sarah Savoy - Development Chief of Staff

    Sarah Savoy, the Development Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, directs the operational strategy for fundraising and donor relations, ensuring the financial stability required for independent research. Savoy architects engagement plans that connect philanthropic partners with the institution's mission to address complex societal challenges. By overseeing the coordination of development activities, the Development Chief of Staff ensures that resources are effectively channeled into rigorous, in-depth research across economics and governance. This leadership role involves collaborating with scholars to articulate the impact of their work to civic stakeholders and business leaders. Sarah Savoy drives the implementation of donor stewardship programs that uphold the institution's commitment to nonpartisan analysis. Through the management of development operations, the Development Chief of Staff secures the necessary funding to support the production of comprehensive reports and policy briefs that inform decision-making at local, national, and global scales.

    Andrew Moffatt - Foreign Policy Chief of Staff

    Andrew Moffatt, the Foreign Policy Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, directs the operational and administrative functions of the foreign policy research division. Moffatt architects the coordination of international affairs analysis, ensuring that scholars have the support needed to produce timely insights on global governance and economic systems. By overseeing the integration of research findings into policy briefs, the Foreign Policy Chief of Staff facilitates effective communication with international stakeholders and government officials. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of global conferences and high-level consultations that define the institution's international impact. Andrew Moffatt drives the alignment of research projects with the broader mission of addressing interconnected global challenges. Through the management of the foreign policy team's operational needs, the Foreign Policy Chief of Staff ensures the delivery of evidence-based perspectives that inform decision-making in the complex arena of international relations.

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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 Joseph Rooney (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Cecilia Rouse (President).
    Who is part of Brookings Institution’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brookings Institution includes leaders such as John Smith (Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Rooney (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), Cecilia Rouse (President) 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, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.