Lilian Coral Promoted to Vice President of Technology and Democracy Programs at New America

Washington, DC – Lilian Coral, an experienced technology and social change leader, has been promoted to Vice President of Technology and Democracy Programs at New America. Having joined New America last November as its head of Technology and Democracy Programs, Coral has overseen New America’s work on a broad range of issues at the intersection of technology and democracy at a time when digital equity, privacy concerns, online free expression, and other key tech policy issues are at the forefront of U.S. public debate.

“I am so honored to step into this new leadership role at New America,” said Lilian Coral, VP of Technology and Democracy Programs. “Bringing our tech and democracy programs together will be critical for us to help create a thriving America—powered by ethical, equitable technology—where democracy, human rights, and the planet flourish. I look forward to working with our talented staff and partners to move us closer toward an inclusive digital future.”

“Technology has always been at the center of New America’s work,” said New America President and Chief Transformation Officer Paul E. Butler. “Our programs have focused on various aspects of technology—from policy and implementation to user experience and global infrastructure. We are thrilled Lilian will work to integrate all of our tech programs and their varied and necessary work in her role as Vice President of Technology and Democracy Programs.”

Coral also remains head of the Open Technology Institute (OTI), where she leads the program’s efforts at the intersection of technology and policy to ensure that every community has equitable access to technology and its benefits.

Prior to her roles at New America, Coral served most recently as Director of National Strategy and Tech Innovation at the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, managing a portfolio of more than $55 million in investments supporting innovations in data accessibility and trust, urban mobility, and technology in public spaces as part of the foundation’s resident-centered technology strategy.

Before her work with the Knight Foundation, Coral was Chief Data Officer for the City of Los Angeles. Appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, she led an effort to increase transparency and use open data to promote greater equity and opportunity for all of Los Angeles’ residents. Coral was also the founding Director of 2-1-1 California, a network of 26 organizations helping 33 million Californians access food, housing, job training, after-school programs, and more.

Coral holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Irvine.

About New America: We are dedicated to renewing the promise of America, bringing us closer to our nation’s highest ideals. We’re a different kind of think tank: one dedicated to public problem solving. Our team of visionary researchers, changemakers, technologists, and storytellers study and seize the opportunities presented by dramatic social and technological change. We search for powerful ideas, wherever they are, and collaborate with civic innovators around the country to develop evidence-based solutions.