Brookings Institution Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brookings Institution has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, human resources, technology, and international affairs.

Driven by rigorous analysis, Brookings Institution generates actionable insights to address complex societal challenges, informing policymakers and civic stakeholders with practical solutions derived from multidisciplinary research.

Leadership Roles at Brookings Institution

  • President - Strobe Talbott
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - April Lueben
  • Development Chief of Staff - Sarah Savoy
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Ankur Bhatt
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Joseph Rooney
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive - Elizabeth Stanley
  • Foreign Policy Chief of Staff - Andrew Moffatt
  • Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Shawn Chernousov
  • Strobe Talbott - President

    Strobe Talbott, the President at Brookings Institution, provides overarching strategic leadership and vision for the organization's extensive research and policy analysis efforts. This paramount role guides Brookings' commitment to generating actionable insights that address complex societal challenges across economics, governance, and international affairs. Talbott directs the institution's engagement with policymakers, business leaders, and civic stakeholders, ensuring its research translates into practical solutions. The position involves championing the organization's dedication to rigorous, nonpartisan analysis and fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry and impact. By leading Brookings, Strobe Talbott shapes the institution's direction, reinforcing its position as a vital source of evidence-based perspectives that inform decision-making at local, national, and global scales. This executive's leadership ensures the continued relevance and influence of Brookings' work.

    April Lueben - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    April Lueben, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookings Institution, supports the strategic direction of human capital management. This role focuses on enhancing employee experience and operational efficiency within the organization's extensive research framework. Lueben contributes to developing and implementing HR policies that align with Brookings' mission of providing nonpartisan analysis on critical societal issues. The position involves close collaboration with the Chief Human Resources Officer to ensure effective talent acquisition, retention, and professional development programs. Overseeing key HR functions, April Lueben ensures that the institution's workforce is equipped to support its broad research agenda across economics, governance, and international affairs. This leadership ensures the human resources department effectively supports the institution's commitment to evidence-based perspectives and practical solutions for policymakers and civic leaders.

    Sarah Savoy - Development Chief of Staff

    Sarah Savoy, the Development Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, directs strategic initiatives within the development and fundraising operations. This critical role ensures the alignment of development activities with the institution's overarching goals of producing actionable insights on complex societal challenges. Savoy manages key projects and communications, facilitating the flow of information between leadership and development teams. The position requires a deep understanding of the institution's research domains, including economics, governance, and international affairs, to effectively articulate its impact to potential donors and partners. By optimizing development processes, Sarah Savoy strengthens the institution's capacity to fund its rigorous, in-depth research. This leadership ensures that financial resources are strategically allocated to support Brookings' commitment to nonpartisan analysis and practical policy solutions for local, national, and global scales.

    Ankur Bhatt - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Ankur Bhatt, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Brookings Institution, architects the technological infrastructure supporting the organization's extensive research and policy analysis. This leadership role drives innovation in digital platforms and data management, ensuring the secure and efficient dissemination of actionable insights. Bhatt oversees the technology strategy, aligning IT operations with Brookings' mission to address complex societal challenges across economics, governance, and international affairs. The position involves managing the development and implementation of advanced technological solutions that enhance research capabilities and stakeholder engagement. By leading the technology division, Ankur Bhatt ensures that Brookings leverages cutting-edge tools to produce rigorous, evidence-based perspectives. This executive's focus on technological advancement empowers the institution to translate academic inquiry into practical solutions for policymakers and civic leaders globally.
    Ankur Bhatt

    Joseph Rooney - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Joseph Rooney, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, provides strategic operational support across the institution's diverse research and policy initiatives. This role is central to ensuring seamless execution of institutional priorities and facilitating effective communication among leadership and research teams. Rooney manages critical projects and operational workflows, directly contributing to the organization's ability to generate actionable insights on complex societal challenges. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of Brookings' work in economics, governance, and international affairs to drive efficiency and strategic alignment. By optimizing internal operations, Joseph Rooney enhances the institution's capacity for rigorous, nonpartisan analysis. This leadership ensures that Brookings effectively translates academic inquiry into practical solutions for policymakers and civic stakeholders at all levels.

    Elizabeth Stanley - Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive

    Elizabeth Stanley, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive at Brookings Institution, manages key administrative and operational functions supporting the institution's leadership. This role ensures the smooth functioning of executive operations, facilitating the effective delivery of actionable insights on complex societal challenges. Stanley oversees critical office management processes and supports strategic projects that advance Brookings' mission across economics, governance, and international affairs. The position involves coordinating with various departments to enhance operational efficiency and support the institution's commitment to rigorous, nonpartisan analysis. By managing essential office functions, Elizabeth Stanley contributes to the seamless translation of academic inquiry into practical solutions for policymakers and civic stakeholders. This executive's focus on operational excellence underpins the institution's ability to conduct impactful research.

    Andrew Moffatt - Foreign Policy Chief of Staff

    Andrew Moffatt, the Foreign Policy Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, directs strategic operations and initiatives within the institution's influential foreign policy research division. This leadership role ensures the effective execution of research agendas focused on international affairs and global governance. Moffatt manages key projects and stakeholder engagement, facilitating the dissemination of actionable insights to policymakers and international leaders. The position requires deep expertise in global dynamics to support Brookings' commitment to rigorous, nonpartisan analysis of pressing international challenges. By optimizing the foreign policy division's operations, Andrew Moffatt strengthens the institution's capacity to translate complex geopolitical issues into practical solutions. This executive's focus on strategic coordination enhances Brookings' impact on global policy discourse.

    Shawn Chernousov - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Shawn Chernousov, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Brookings Institution, leads the strategic development and implementation of human capital initiatives across the organization. This executive role is pivotal in fostering a supportive and productive environment for researchers and staff dedicated to addressing complex societal challenges. Chernousov oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring alignment with Brookings' mission of rigorous, nonpartisan analysis. The position involves driving initiatives that enhance organizational culture and professional development, supporting the institution's work in economics, governance, and international affairs. By directing HR strategy, Shawn Chernousov ensures that Brookings attracts and retains top talent, enabling the translation of academic inquiry into practical solutions for policymakers and civic stakeholders worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brookings Institution Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brookings Institution?
    Brookings Institution is led by Strobe Talbott (President), along with executives such as April Lueben (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer) and Sarah Savoy (Development Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Brookings Institution’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brookings Institution includes leaders such as Strobe Talbott (President), April Lueben (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer), Sarah Savoy (Development Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brookings Institution have?
    Brookings Institution has 8 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 President, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Development Chief of Staff, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Vice President, Chief of Staff.