New America Names Anthony Foxx, James O’Brien, and Stephanie Valencia to Board of Directors

New America, a nonpartisan think and action tank dedicated to renewing the promise of America, is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Anthony Foxx, James (Jim) O’Brien, and Stephanie Valencia, effective January 1, 2026. Each brings a unique perspective from the highest levels of government, public research, and social advocacy.

“New America has always been a place where ideas meet action,” said Sally Osberg, Board Chair of New America. “Anthony, Jim, and Stephanie are not just thinkers; they are doers. Their arrival reinforces our commitment to being a laboratory for the next generation of effective public policy.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Anthony, Jim, and Stephanie to our board,” said Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America. “Their collective expertise spans the most critical challenges of our era—from the future of urban mobility to the vital need for representative data and civic participation. Their leadership will be instrumental as we generate the big ideas and bold solutions for a new America in which all Americans can thrive.”

With these appointments, New America’s board now reflects an even broader spectrum of the American experience, deepening its commitment to realizing the promise of America in an era of rapid technological and social change.

Meet the New Board Members

Anthony Foxx is an accomplished business and public policy leader, and Emma Bloomberg Professor of Practice & Director of the Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School. He served as the 17th U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2013–2017), receiving a rare unanimous confirmation (100–0) by the U.S. Senate. During his tenure, he focused on the intersection of technology and infrastructure, launching the “Smart City Challenge” and establishing the first federal policy framework for autonomous vehicles. Since leaving public service, he has held executive roles in the private sector, focusing on sustainable urban development and the future of transit.

“It is an honor to join the New America board and support its mission to advance bold, practical solutions for a rapidly changing nation,” said Foxx of his appointment. “I look forward to working with this community to strengthen democratic institutions and expand opportunity for all Americans.”

James (Jim) O’Brien joins the board from the largest public research university in America, Arizona State University, strengthening New America’s relationship with the venerable institution. Since 2010, New America and Arizona State University (ASU) have explored the effects of emerging technologies on society and public policy through a strategic partnership—including the launch of an actual joint center, the Center on the Future of War, and its annual premier event: The Future Security Forum.

As Senior VP University Affairs and Chief of Staff, Office of University Affairs, Arizona State University, O’Brien implements complicated strategic and tactical objectives of the Office of the President. For more than twenty years, O’Brien has worked as Chief of Staff to President Michael M. Crow to identify, facilitate, and coordinate opportunities and initiatives which involve multiple units within and affiliated with the institution. As Senior Vice President of University Affairs, Mr. O’Brien leads the strategic integration of external facing units including Media Relations and Strategic Communications, Government and Community Engagement, Brand Strategy and Management, and Cultural Affairs.

“It is a privilege to join the New America board to help further the unique partnership between the largest public research university and the preeminent Washington, DC, think tank and solutions provider,” said O’Brien.

Stephanie Valencia is a national leader and social entrepreneur at the nexus of Latino civic engagement, media and technology, and leadership development. She is the co-founder and president of Equis, a set of organizations working to create a deeper understanding of Latinos, innovate new approaches to reach and engage them, and invest in the leadership and infrastructure for long-term change and increased engagement.

Valencia is also co-founder and co-owner of the Latino Media Network, an audio multimedia company focused on inspiring, informing, and celebrating Latinos, owned and operated by members of the community. Founded in 2022, this one of the largest single acquisitions of stations by a Latino-owned and operated company in history and is one of largest capital raises of a Latina-owned and operated startup in the U.S.

“It is an honor to join New America and work alongside trailblazers whose commitment to driving impact and uplifting policies that serve not only Latinos, but all Americans, mirrors my own,” said Valencia. “Now more than ever, it is vital that we continue pushing the boundaries of what our country is capable of and how we fill gaps in the ecosystem, by using research and policy recommendations that empower and protect communities and institutions that are under attack. The Latino community, specifically, is facing dire challenges under the current administration, and I am excited to collaborate with New America’s experts and innovators to help realize a new and equitable America.”

About New America: New America is a think-and-action tank dedicated to renewing the promise of America in an age of rapid technological and social change. Our work prioritizes care and family wellbeing, advances technology in the public interest, reimagines global cooperation, builds effective democracy, and ensures affordable and accessible education for all. Learn more at newamerica.org.