Brookings Institution Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brookings Institution has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, human resources, and policy analysis.

Driven by rigorous research, Brookings Institution generates actionable insights to address complex societal challenges, informing decision-making for policymakers and civic stakeholders through nonpartisan, evidence-based perspectives.

Leadership Roles at Brookings Institution

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

    Cecilia Rouse, the President at Brookings Institution, provides overarching strategic direction and leadership for the organization's mission. This role guides the institution's commitment to generating actionable insights that address complex societal challenges through rigorous, nonpartisan research. Rouse oversees the institution's diverse research programs, ensuring their continued relevance and impact on policy and public discourse. The position involves fostering a collaborative environment that attracts and supports leading scholars and practitioners. Cecilia Rouse's leadership emphasizes the importance of evidence-based analysis in navigating intricate domestic and international issues. This executive mandate ensures that Brookings Institution remains a trusted source of independent research, informing decision-making at local, national, and global levels. Rouse's vision drives the institution's pursuit of solutions for pressing societal problems.

    Strobe Talbott - President

    Strobe Talbott, the President at Brookings Institution, leads the strategic vision and operational execution of the institution's global policy research. This executive role champions the production of rigorous, nonpartisan analysis aimed at addressing complex societal challenges worldwide. Talbott oversees the institution's engagement with policymakers, business leaders, and civic stakeholders, ensuring research findings translate into practical solutions. The position involves fostering international collaboration and advancing the institution's influence in global affairs. Strobe Talbott's leadership reinforces Brookings Institution's dedication to evidence-based perspectives that transcend ideological boundaries. This critical function ensures the continued delivery of high-quality research on international relations, economics, and governance, supporting informed decision-making across diverse global contexts. Talbott's tenure focuses on strengthening Brookings Institution's role as a vital resource for understanding and navigating global complexities.

    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 research and policy functions. Lueben contributes to developing and implementing HR policies that align with Brookings Institution's mission of providing rigorous, nonpartisan analysis. The position involves collaborating with senior leadership to ensure a supportive and productive work environment for all scholars and staff. April Lueben's efforts are directed towards fostering a culture that attracts and retains top talent, crucial for the institution's continued impact on complex societal challenges. This involves managing key HR initiatives that bolster organizational development and employee engagement across all departments.

    Ankur Bhatt - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Ankur Bhatt, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Brookings Institution, architects the technological infrastructure supporting advanced research and policy dissemination. This leadership position drives innovation in digital platforms and data management, ensuring the secure and efficient delivery of actionable insights. Bhatt oversees the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the institution's analytical capabilities and expand its reach to policymakers and stakeholders globally. The role demands a strategic vision for technology adoption, aligning IT operations with Brookings Institution's core mission of addressing complex societal challenges through rigorous, evidence-based analysis. Ankur Bhatt's oversight extends to cybersecurity, ensuring the protection of sensitive research data and maintaining the integrity of the institution's digital assets. This critical function enables Brookings Institution to maintain its commitment to nonpartisan research and impactful policy recommendations.
    Ankur Bhatt

    Elizabeth Stanley - Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive

    Elizabeth Stanley, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive at Brookings Institution, provides critical operational support and strategic coordination for executive functions. This role ensures the smooth execution of administrative and programmatic initiatives, facilitating the work of senior leadership. Stanley manages key office operations, streamlining processes to enhance productivity and support the institution's research endeavors. The position involves close collaboration with various departments to align operational activities with Brookings Institution's overarching goals of generating actionable insights on societal challenges. Elizabeth Stanley's responsibilities include overseeing resource allocation and ensuring efficient workflow management across executive offices. This focus on operational excellence empowers Brookings Institution to maintain its commitment to rigorous, nonpartisan analysis and impactful policy recommendations.

    Joseph Rooney - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Joseph Rooney, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization. This executive role ensures that the institution's diverse research efforts effectively translate into practical solutions for policymakers and civic leaders. Rooney oversees the coordination of key projects, enhancing the efficiency and impact of Brookings Institution's work on complex societal challenges. The position requires a deep understanding of the institution's research domains, including economics, governance, and international affairs, to support strategic decision-making. Joseph Rooney's leadership focuses on optimizing internal processes and fostering collaboration among scholars and staff to uphold the commitment to rigorous, nonpartisan analysis. This role is central to advancing Brookings Institution's mission of informing public discourse and policy development.

    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 execution of human capital initiatives. This executive function is vital for cultivating a high-performing environment that supports rigorous research and policy analysis. Chernousov oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, ensuring alignment with Brookings Institution's mission to address complex societal challenges. The role involves implementing policies and programs that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion across the institution. Shawn Chernousov's leadership ensures that Brookings Institution attracts and retains world-class scholars and staff, providing them with the resources and support necessary for impactful work. This commitment to human resources excellence underpins the institution's capacity for producing nonpartisan, evidence-based insights.

    Andrew Moffatt - Foreign Policy Chief of Staff

    Andrew Moffatt, the Foreign Policy Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, provides strategic and operational leadership for the institution's extensive foreign policy research agenda. This role ensures the seamless integration of research activities with policy outreach, amplifying the impact of analysis on global affairs. Moffatt coordinates initiatives across various foreign policy programs, facilitating collaboration among scholars and supporting the development of actionable insights for international policymakers. The position requires a keen understanding of geopolitical dynamics and the complexities of global governance to guide research priorities. Andrew Moffatt's focus is on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the foreign policy team, enabling Brookings Institution to deliver rigorous, nonpartisan perspectives on pressing international challenges. This leadership supports the institution's commitment to informing decision-making on a global scale.

    Sarah Savoy - Development Chief of Staff

    Sarah Savoy, the Development Chief of Staff at Brookings Institution, directs strategic fundraising and resource development efforts. This executive function is critical for securing the financial support necessary to sustain Brookings Institution's independent research and policy analysis. Savoy oversees the cultivation of relationships with donors and foundations, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission to address complex societal challenges. The role involves managing development operations, optimizing strategies for philanthropic engagement and resource allocation. Sarah Savoy's leadership ensures that Brookings Institution can continue its work producing rigorous, nonpartisan insights that inform policymakers and civic stakeholders. This focus on development is fundamental to maintaining the institution's capacity for impactful, evidence-based contributions to public discourse.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brookings Institution Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brookings Institution?
    Brookings Institution is led by Cecilia Rouse (President), along with executives such as Strobe Talbott (President) and April Lueben (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Brookings Institution’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brookings Institution includes leaders such as Cecilia Rouse (President), Strobe Talbott (President), April Lueben (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brookings Institution have?
    Brookings Institution has 9 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, President, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff & Office Executive.