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Press release/statement

Demos Welcomes Tori O’Neal McElrath as the Vice President of External Affairs

Demos is proud to announce the hire of Tori O’Neal McElrath as the Vice President of External Affairs and Lenore Palladino’s new role as a Demos economic fellow.

McElrath is Demos’ first Vice President of External Affairs and will oversee the communications and development teams. In this new role, McElrath will focus on expanding Demos’ reach and impact through strategic communications and donor cultivation.

“Tori is a phenomenal leader who has devoted her career to strengthening and shaping the progressive movement.”

McElrath joins Demos with over twenty-five years of experience in leadership, staff development, and strategic institutional positioning. She previously served as the Director of Institutional Advancement at the Center for Community Change (CCC). While there, she acquired a $20 million grant to CCC, the largest single foundation investment in CCC’s 47-year history and created a five-year, $50 million campaign for the organization’s national “Putting Families First: Job for All” economic justice initiative. Prior to CCC, she worked for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and The San Diego Foundation.

“Tori is a phenomenal leader who has devoted her career to strengthening and shaping the progressive movement,” said Heather McGhee, Demos President. “We are absolutely thrilled to have her join our team, where she will provide a bold vision to expand Demos’ reach and presence.”

“In addition to being a wonderful leader of Demos for the past two years, Lenore is an experienced advocate and fiercely intelligent academic.”

Palladino, previously Demos Vice President of Policy and Outreach, will transition to a new role as a Demos fellow. Her research and writing will focus on financial reform, labor rights, and fiscal and financial crises. Before coming to Demos, Palladino was the Organizing Director at MoveOn.org, leading all facets of the organization’s campaigning. She is a graduate of the University of Chicago, holds a J.D. from Fordham Law School, and has a Ph.D. from the New School University.

“In addition to being a wonderful leader of Demos for the past two years, Lenore is an experienced advocate and fiercely intelligent academic,” said Tamara Draut, Vice President of Policy and Research. “We are excited to see the wonderful work she will produce.”