Washington D.C. – The boards of directors of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation have named Michael B. Keegan, who served as president of the organizations from 2009-2020 and currently serves on both boards, President Emeritus of both organizations. The boards voted at their spring meetings on March 21.
“We are delighted to honor Michael with this recognition of his ongoing service to People For,” said Lara Bergthold, co-chair of People For the American Way board of directors. “As president and as a member of our board of directors, Michael has dedicated many years to ensuring that People For remains the robust and effective defender of democracy that our founder Norman Lear envisioned. We owe much of our success to him and are proud to give him the official designation of President Emeritus.”
“Michael has lived and breathed People For, for as long as I’ve known him,” said Rev. Timothy McDonald, co-chair of People For the American Way board of directors. “As president he was responsible for tremendous growth in our membership and financial support. He was instrumental in making People For a potent political force and expanding our work with Latino voters. Today he is a trusted advisor to us all and we are thrilled that he continues to use his considerable talents on our behalf, as a board member and now as President Emeritus.”
“Michael’s incredible devotion to the People For the American Way Foundation inspires us all,” said Cookie Parker, chair of the People For the American Way Foundation board of directors. “On his watch, our commitment to developing the next generation of innovative young leaders expanded dramatically with the growth of the Young Elected Officials Network. Michael’s love for the arts has kept our organization’s ties to the arts world strong. It is such a pleasure to work with him as a board member and now as our President Emeritus.”
“I’ve known Michael for years through my involvement with People For the American Way Foundation’s youth leadership programs. He was a guide, mentor and inspiration to me then and I treasure his wisdom even more now that I have stepped into the role of president of People For and the People For Foundation,” said Svante Myrick, president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation. “Michael works tirelessly on our behalf and wants nothing more than to see People For and its mission succeed. As our President Emeritus he will play an enormous role in our future, just as he has in our long and storied history.”
“I’m deeply grateful for the profound honor to be named President Emeritus by our wonderful boards of directors, particularly now as we renew our commitment to protecting and preserving our democracy,” said newly named President Emeritus Michael Keegan. “The months ahead will be decisive for our country in many ways. I have always believed that People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation have an incredibly important role to play in ensuring America’s promise is fulfilled for all of us. I love these organizations and the wonderful work they do and what they have fought for for over 40 years. I’m deeply grateful to the boards of directors for their recognition and excited to keep working with the organizations in this fight.”
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About People For the American Way People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org