REIHAN SALAM AND ASHLEY SWEARENGIN JOIN NEW AMERICA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Press Release
Oct. 1, 2015

Washington, D.C. — New America today announced the appointment of editor and columnist Reihan Salam and Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin to its board of directors.

Mr. Salam is the executive editor of National Review, a columnist for Slate, a contributing editor at National Affairs, and a fellow at the National Review Institute. In 2008, he co-authored Grand New Party: How Republicans Can Win the Working Class and Save the American Dream together with author and columnist Ross Douthat.

“To create well-rounded policy solutions, people need to debate and disagree with one another,” said Mr. Salam. “New America challenges the status quo and provides a platform for that debate. I am excited to work in support of that cause.”

Also joining the board is Ashley Swearengin, the current mayor of Fresno, California. Since her election to the post in 2009, Mayor Swearengin has worked to restore financial health to Fresno and promote business growth. As mayor, her initiatives have also focused on promoting community revitalization, advancing adult education, and curtailing homelessness, among other projects.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with New America. Good policy decisions can only come from well-researched recommendations,” said Ms. Swearengin.

“We are thrilled to welcome two incredibly talented, dynamic voices to our board,” said New America President Anne-Marie Slaughter. “I look forward to the high quality of leadership and diverse viewpoints Ashley and Reihan will bring to New America.”

The New America board of directors is chaired by Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Alphabet, Inc., and includes top leaders from media, nonprofits, and the private sector.