MassINC, the non-partisan public policy think tank and publisher of CommonWealth magazine, today announced it has named Lauren Louison Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the organization’s public policy, research and civic engagement agendas.  Ms. Louison previously held the position of Vice President of Strategy and Development at MassINC where she focused on fundraising and strategic planning.
 
“Lauren joined the organization just a little over a year ago and has added enormous value on all fronts,” said Greg Torres, President of MassINC and Publisher of CommonWealth magazine.  “Not only has she reinvigorated donor relationships and added new funders, she has exhibited remarkable talent in strategic direction, operations and management. In terms of her commitment and talent, she is one of the best civic leaders I have come across.”
 
Louison joins the organization at its 15^th anniversary and will lead the newly-launched Campaign for Civic Journalism as well as an ambitious public policy agenda that includes expansion of MassINC’s trademark Gateway Cities work; new research and polling efforts such as the State of the American Dream project, and a reenergized civic engagement program that includes policy debates and forums as well online and in-person networking strategies across the state.
 
Louison has more than 25 years experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors helping organizations define, align and implement their strategic business, advocacy, fundraising and communications goals. Prior to joining MassINC, Louison was a senior vice president at Solomon McCown & Company where she founded and led the public affairs practice serving local and national clients.  Louison’s career has included leading the national, urban policy think tank CEOs for Cities, serving as chief of staff to the vice president for Government, Community and Public Affairs at Harvard University and director of Planning and Research for the Boston Police Department. She began her career in the administration of Boston Mayor Kevin H. White. 
 
About MassINC – MassINC is a nonprofit, independent think tank and publisher of CommonWealth magazine that uses non-partisan research, civic journalism and public forums to stimulate debate and shape public policy.  Our mission is to promote a public agenda for the middle class and to help all citizens achieve the American dream.