Kellee Wicker New Director of Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ryan McKenna

Phone: (202) 691-4217

ryan.mckenna@wilsoncenter.org

WASHINGTON –The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars has named Kellee Wicker as Director of its Science and Technology Innovation Program.

“We are living in a time of exciting advancements in science and technology. It is also a time of great challenge as we look to craft policies and approaches that help us harness these advancements as part of American leadership,” said Wilson Center President and CEO Ambassador Mark Green. “We are very fortunate to have Kellee stepping into this leadership role. Her broad range of talents and expertise will help the Center's Science and Technology Innovation Program remain on the leading edge.”

Wicker's lifelong deep love of engineering and technology led her to pursue work in everything from behavior-based robotics, to using statistical programs for data analysis and infographic design, to HTML5 and CSS for web design. She carried that interest into all aspects of her work, using innovative tools and analysis in research on the role of technology in educational systems and nascent green technology solutions to mitigate the international impacts of climate change.

Immediately before joining the Wilson Center, Wicker served as the Chief Operating Officer for the NewDEAL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting moderate elected officials at the state and local level across the United States. Through her leadership, more than 200 leaders were equipped with novel policy solutions, frequently providing insights at the intersection of technology and government. Wicker's leadership and communication skills were essential to the growth of the organization. Her efforts directly increased revenue, generated widespread press coverage, and ensured the successful execution of semiannual national conferences that engaged US leadership at the highest levels.

Wicker received a MA in Global Public Policy from the Lyndon B. Johnson School at the University of Texas and a MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas. She earned her BA degrees from University of Mississippi in International Studies and Spanish. She has written on education reforms in Brazil, Uruguay's political system, technology's ability to mitigate climate related disasters, entrepreneurial ecosystems, targeted development in America's less-advantaged communities, and the growth of international trilateral aid in foreign development. Her research has supported the US Department of Defense, the World Bank, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and other partners.

The Science and Technology Innovation Program analyzes and translates how emerging technologies will impact international relations. It equips decision-makers and the public with the tools to help understand advancements in science and technology, making science policy accessible to everyone.The modern era is defined by exponential leaps in scientific understanding and technological breakthroughs. But the potential impacts of these breakthroughs—in research, in policy, in society—are not always clear.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Wilson Center was chartered by Congress as the nation’s living memorial to President Woodrow Wilson. Through the work of its staff and fellows, it connects deep scholarship to urgent policy questions.