CAMBRIDGE, MA—The Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School announced 10 resident and visiting fellows for the 2019 spring term on Thursday. These individuals bring a combination of political and advocacy experience to address issues such as electoral politics, the economy, climate change, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and voting rights.

“The IOP Fellows program is central to our mission of inspiring students to public service and active citizenship,” said IOP Director Mark Gearan. “We are eager to bring together this extraordinary group of fellows who will provide students with the opportunity to learn from their experiences running for office, building grassroots advocacy campaigns, and making public policy.”

“The institute is honored to welcome these outstanding fellows who will share their valuable and diverse perspectives, encourage civil discourse, and inspire the next generation to public service,” said Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, honorary chair of the IOP senior advisory committee.

The resident fellows are:

  • Barbara Comstock–U.S. Representative (Republican, Virginia) (2015-2019)
  • Carlos Curbelo–U.S. Representative (Republican, Florida) (2015-2019)
  • Andrew Gillum–Mayor of Tallahassee (2014-2018)
  • Aisha Moodie-Mills–President and CEO of Victory Fund and Victory Institute (2015-2017)
  • Catherine Russell–U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues (2013-2017)
  • Michael Zeldin–CNN Legal analyst and former U.S. Department of Justice official

The visiting fellows are:

  • Gary Cohn–Director of the National Economic Council (2017-2018)
  • Heidi Heitkamp–U.S. Senator (D-North Dakota) (2013-2019)
  • Mitch Landrieu–Mayor of New Orleans (2010-2018), returning visiting fellow
  • Michael Nutter–Mayor of Philadelphia (2007-2016), returning visiting fellow

“The IOP Fellows program is why a lot of students decide to come to Harvard—it’s very unique,” said Elijah DeVaughn and Kate Krolicki, student co-chairs of the IOP’s Fellows and Study Group. “With all the changes happening in the world today, the Harvard community is lucky to have the chance to learn from, and challenge, the broad spectrum of perspectives this group of elected officials, advocates, and policy leaders brings to campus.”

The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School was established in 1966 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The IOP Fellows Program has stood as the cornerstone of the IOP, encouraging student interest in public service and increasing the interaction between the academic and political communities. Through the program, the institute aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn from experienced public servants, the space to engage in civil discourse, and the chance to acquire a more holistic, empathetic, and pragmatic view of our political world.

Resident fellows immerse themselves into the Harvard community. They reside on campus, mentor undergraduate students, hold weekly office hours, and lead an eight-week, not-for-credit study group on a particular subject according to their experience, interests, and expertise. This spring, Barbara Comstock, Carlos Curbelo, Andrew Gillum, Aisha Moodie-Mills, Catherine Russell, and Michael Zeldin will play this role. Visiting fellows engage the Harvard community with a condensed visit schedule during the course of the term. This spring, Gary Cohn and Senator Heidi Heitkamp will co-host a weekly discussion on the state of the economy, titled “The Real State of the Union.” Mayors Mitch Landrieu and Michael Nutter will return to the IOP to continue their discussion on ‘Politics, Potholes, and Public Service.’

For more information on the fellowship program, including a full list of former fellows, visit: iop.harvard.edu.

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