Brief Biographies of Authors

These biographies were generated by ChatGPT 4o. They are not extensive, and they tend to be kind of positive and gloss over things like the fact that Peter Navarro was convicted and is serving time for not responding to congressional subpoena. This is a first cut. They are in the order they appear in the table of contents of the policy page.

Paul Dans

Paul Dans is the Director of the 2025 Presidential Transition Project at The Heritage Foundation. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, where he managed federal human resources policy. Before his government service, Dans practiced high-stakes commercial litigation in New York City and founded his own law firm. He holds a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and graduate and undergraduate degrees from MIT. Dans resides in South Carolina with his wife and four children.

Kevin D. Roberts, PhD

Kevin D. Roberts is the President of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America. Before this, he was the CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Roberts has a PhD in American History from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree from Virginia Tech, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He has also served as President of Wyoming Catholic College and founded John Paul the Great Academy. Roberts and his wife have four children.

Rick Dearborn

Rick Dearborn is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and a Partner at Mindset. He served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff under President Donald Trump, overseeing the operations of approximately 100 staff across five Executive Offices of the President departments. He was the Executive Director of the 2016 Presidential Transition Team and previously served as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs under President George W. Bush. Dearborn spent over two decades as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Senator Jeff Sessions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration with a minor in Economics from the University of Oklahoma.

Russ Vought

Russ Vought is the President of the Center for Renewing America and a former Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under President Trump. He joined the OMB as Deputy Director in 2018 and became Acting Director in 2019 before being confirmed as Director in 2020. Vought has a BA from Wheaton College and a JD from George Washington University Law School. He previously worked as Vice President of Heritage Action for America and held various roles on Capitol Hill, including Policy Director for the House Republican Conference under Mike Pence and Executive Director of the Republican Study Committee. Vought resides in Virginia with his wife and two daughters.

Donald Devine

Donald Devine is a Senior Scholar at The Fund for American Studies and an Adjunct Scholar at The Heritage Foundation. He served as Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management under President Ronald Reagan, where he was known for cutting 100,000 bureaucratic jobs and saving over $6 billion. Devine has had a long academic career, teaching at the University of Maryland and Bellevue University. He is an author of several books on government, philosophy, and American politics, including “Reagan Electionomics” and “America’s Way Back: Reclaiming Freedom, Tradition, and Constitution.” Devine holds a PhD in political science and has been a significant figure in promoting conservative fusionism, a philosophy combining libertarian means with traditionalist ends​ (Wikipedia)​​ (The Heartland Institute)​​ (Libertarianism.org)​.

Dennis Dean Kirk

Dennis Dean Kirk is a Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and former Chairman of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. He has extensive experience in labor relations and federal personnel policy, focusing on government management and reform. Kirk has played a critical role in shaping labor policies within the federal government, advocating for efficiency and accountability.

Christopher Miller

Christopher Miller is a former Acting Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump. He has a distinguished military career, including service in the U.S. Army Special Forces, and has held various senior roles within the Department of Defense. Miller was instrumental in overseeing military operations and policies during his tenure, focusing on counterterrorism and national security strategies.

Ken Cuccinelli

Ken Cuccinelli is the former Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and a former Attorney General of Virginia. He is known for his work on immigration policy and enforcement, having played a key role in shaping the Trump administration’s approach to border security and immigration laws. Cuccinelli has a background in law and has been a prominent advocate for conservative legal principles and policies.

Kiron K. Skinner

Kiron K. Skinner is the Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics at Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy and a W. Glenn Campbell Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution. She previously served as the Director of Policy Planning at the U.S. Department of State under Secretary Mike Pompeo. Skinner has held academic positions at Carnegie Mellon University, where she founded the Center for International Relations and Politics. She is an expert in international relations, U.S. foreign policy, and political strategy. Skinner has served on several government advisory boards, including the Defense Policy Board and the Chief of Naval Operations’ Executive Panel. She holds a PhD and MA from Harvard University and a BA from Spelman College. Skinner is also a prolific author, known for her work on Ronald Reagan and the Cold War​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Hoover Institution)​​ (Pepperdine Public Policy)​​ (Encyclopedia.com)​​ (Pacific Council)​.

Dustin J. Carmack

Dustin J. Carmack is a Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, specializing in cybersecurity, intelligence, and technology policy. Prior to joining Heritage, he served as the Chief of Staff to the Director of National Intelligence and as a Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Carmack has extensive experience in national security and policy, with a focus on enhancing U.S. cyber defenses and intelligence capabilities.

Mora Namdar

Mora Namdar is a former Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. She has extensive experience in diplomatic and consular services, having managed a wide range of issues related to American citizens abroad and visa services. Namdar’s work in the State Department included overseeing emergency response operations and leading efforts to modernize consular services.

Mike Gonzalez

Mike Gonzalez is a Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, focusing on foreign policy, national security, and Hispanic issues. He is an author and commentator with a background in journalism and public policy. Gonzalez has written extensively on the impact of identity politics and multiculturalism on American society and governance.

Max Primorac

Max Primorac is a Senior Advisor for International Affairs at The Heritage Foundation and former Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development. He has extensive experience in international development and humanitarian assistance, having worked on various initiatives to promote democracy and economic development in post-conflict regions.

Daren Bakst

Daren Bakst is a Senior Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, focusing on environmental and agricultural policy. He holds a JD and an LLM in Agricultural and Food Law and has written extensively on issues such as regulatory reform, property rights, and sustainable agriculture. Bakst’s work aims to influence policies that promote economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Lindsey M. Burke

Lindsey M. Burke is the Director of the Center for Education Policy and the Mark A. Kolokotrones Fellow in Education at The Heritage Foundation. She oversees research and policy on preschool, K-12, and higher education reform. Burke has published extensively on education choice options and has appeared on numerous radio and television shows to discuss education reform. She is also a fellow at EdChoice and has been recognized for her work against national education standards and for promoting educational choice. Burke holds a bachelor’s degree in politics from Hollins University, a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Virginia, and a PhD in education policy from George Mason University​ (EdChoice)​​ (The Heritage Foundation)​​ (EdChoice)​.

Bernard L. McNamee

Bernard L. McNamee is a Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and a former Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He has a distinguished career in energy policy and law, having served as the Executive Director of the Office of Policy at the U.S. Department of Energy and as Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy. McNamee has also worked as a lawyer in private practice, focusing on energy and regulatory issues. He holds a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and a BA from the University of Virginia.

Mandy M. Gunasekara

Mandy M. Gunasekara is a Senior Policy Fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum and the former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She is known for her work on energy and environmental policy, advocating for deregulation and the promotion of clean energy solutions. Gunasekara has also founded the Energy 45 Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting energy policies that benefit the American economy and environment. She holds a JD from the University of Mississippi School of Law and a BA from Mississippi College.

Roger Severino

Roger Severino is the Vice President of Domestic Policy and The Joseph C. and Elizabeth A. Anderlik Fellow at The Heritage Foundation. He previously served as the Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Severino is a legal expert with a focus on civil rights, religious liberty, and health policy. He has a JD from Harvard Law School, an MA in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, and a BA from the University of Southern California.

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., MD

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., MD, is a renowned neurosurgeon and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He gained international fame for his groundbreaking work in pediatric neurosurgery, including the first successful separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head. Carson is also a prolific author and founder of the Carson Scholars Fund, which provides scholarships to students who excel academically and demonstrate humanitarian qualities. He holds a medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and a BA in psychology from Yale University.

William Perry Pendley

William Perry Pendley is an attorney and former Acting Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He has a long career advocating for property rights and limited government, having served in various roles within the Department of the Interior. Pendley is also the author of several books on land use and environmental policy. He holds a JD and a master’s degree in Public Administration from George Washington University, and a BA from the University of Wyoming.

Gene Hamilton

Gene Hamilton is the Vice President and General Counsel of America First Legal. He served as Counselor to the Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2017 to 2021, where he played a pivotal role in shaping immigration policies, including ending DACA and implementing the “zero tolerance” family separation policy. Hamilton holds a JD from Washington and Lee University School of Law and has extensive experience in immigration law, having worked at the Department of Homeland Security and as General Counsel to Senator Jeff Sessions​ (Wikipedia)​.

Jonathan Berry

Jonathan Berry is a partner at Boyden Gray & Associates, specializing in administrative and constitutional law. He served as the Regulatory Policy Officer at the Department of Labor, where he oversaw significant regulatory reforms. Berry has a JD from Columbia Law School and a BA from Dartmouth College. His legal expertise includes advising on high-stakes litigation and regulatory policy, making significant contributions to labor and employment law.

Diana Furchtgott-Roth

Diana Furchtgott-Roth is an economist and adjunct professor at George Washington University. She has served in several senior roles in the federal government, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology at the Department of Transportation. Furchtgott-Roth holds an MA in economics from Oxford University and a BA from Swarthmore College. She has authored numerous books and articles on economic policy and public finance.

Brooks D. Tucker

Brooks D. Tucker is a Senior Advisor for Veteran Affairs at The Heritage Foundation and a former Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has extensive experience in military and veteran affairs, having served in various leadership roles within the federal government. Tucker is a retired Marine Corps officer with a strong commitment to advocating for veterans’ issues.

Thomas F. Gilman

Thomas F. Gilman is a Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, focusing on economic policy and government reform. He has held various positions in both the public and private sectors, including serving as Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gilman has a deep understanding of fiscal policy and management, with a career dedicated to improving government efficiency and accountability.

William L. Walton

William L. Walton is the President of the Council for National Policy and a Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation. With a background in investment banking and public policy, Walton has played a significant role in promoting conservative principles and policies. He is also known for his work in media and communications, advocating for free-market solutions and limited government.

Stephen Moore

Stephen Moore is a distinguished visiting fellow in economics at The Heritage Foundation. He served as a senior economic advisor to President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, where he helped draft tax, budget, and energy policies. Moore founded the Club for Growth in 1999 and served as its president until 2004, making it a prominent political organization. He has written for The Wall Street Journal and is a regular contributor to various publications. Moore holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in economics from George Mason University. He has authored several books, including “Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive Our Economy”​ (Wikipedia)​​ (The Heritage Foundation)​​ (Famous Economists)​​ (Speakers.com)​.

David R. Burton

David R. Burton is a Senior Fellow in Economic Policy at The Heritage Foundation. He focuses on tax policy, financial regulation, and entrepreneurship. Burton has extensive experience in public policy, having served as General Counsel at the National Small Business Association and Chief Financial Officer of the start-up investment firm, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. He holds a JD from the University of Maryland School of Law and a BA in economics from the University of Chicago.

Veronique de Rugy

Veronique de Rugy is a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She is an expert in public finance, tax policy, and economic growth. De Rugy holds a PhD in economics from the University of Paris-Sorbonne and has published extensively on fiscal policy and economic issues. She is also a frequent contributor to various media outlets, providing insights on economic policy and government spending.

Jennifer Hazelton

Jennifer Hazelton is a communications strategist and former Communications Director for the U.S. House of Representatives. She has extensive experience in media relations and public affairs, having worked on various high-profile political campaigns and in government communications. Hazelton is known for her expertise in crafting strategic messaging and managing communications operations.

Paul Winfree

Paul Winfree is the Director of the Thomas A. Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation. He has served as Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Director of the Budget Policy Division at the White House. Winfree holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Oxford and a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. He focuses on fiscal policy, economic growth, and budget reform.

Karen Kerrigan

Karen Kerrigan is the President and CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. She is a leading advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurship, with extensive experience in public policy and economic development. Kerrigan has been recognized for her work in promoting small business growth and has advised various government agencies on economic policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Cortland.

Peter Navarro

Peter Navarro is an economist who served as Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy during the Trump administration. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and was a professor emeritus of economics and public policy at the University of California, Irvine, for over 20 years. Navarro advised President Trump on policies aimed at increasing economic growth, reducing the trade deficit, and strengthening the U.S. manufacturing and defense industrial bases. He is a prolific author, having written numerous books including “Death by China,” “The Coming China Wars,” and “Crouching Tiger”​ (Wikipedia)​​ (PETER NAVARRO)​​ (Trump White House)​.

Kent Lassman

Kent Lassman is the President and CEO of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI). He has a background in public policy and advocacy, focusing on regulatory reform and free-market principles. Lassman has extensive experience in think tanks and policy organizations, working to influence policy debates on issues such as technology, environmental policy, and economic regulation. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College and has been involved in various initiatives to promote limited government and economic liberty.

David R. Burton

David R. Burton is a Senior Fellow in Economic Policy at The Heritage Foundation, where he specializes in tax policy, financial regulation, and entrepreneurship. He has a rich background in public policy, having served as General Counsel at the National Small Business Association and Chief Financial Officer of the startup investment firm, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Burton holds a JD from the University of Maryland School of Law and a BA in economics from the University of Chicago.

Robert Bowes

Robert Bowes is a policy expert with a focus on national security and defense. He has served in various roles in government and think tanks, providing strategic analysis and policy recommendations. Bowes’s work primarily revolves around enhancing U.S. defense capabilities and shaping policies to address emerging security threats.

Brendan Carr

Brendan Carr is a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He focuses on telecommunications policy and has been an advocate for expanding broadband access and modernizing infrastructure to support the next generation of wireless technologies. Carr has a background in law, having served as General Counsel of the FCC before his appointment as Commissioner. He holds a JD from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and a BA from Georgetown University.

Hans A. von Spakovsky

Hans A. von Spakovsky is a Senior Legal Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, where he manages the Election Law Reform Initiative. He is an expert on issues such as civil rights, civil justice, the First Amendment, immigration, and election law. Von Spakovsky served as a member of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) from 2006 to 2008 and worked at the U.S. Department of Justice as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. He is known for advocating for stricter voter ID laws and has written extensively on voter fraud and election integrity. Von Spakovsky holds a JD from Vanderbilt University School of Law and a BA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has also co-authored several books, including “Who’s Counting?: How Fraudsters and Bureaucrats Put Your Vote at Risk” and “Our Broken Elections: How the Left Changed the Way You Vote”​ (Wikipedia)​​ (FEC.gov)​​ (The Heritage Foundation)​​ (SCOTUSblog)​.

Adam Candeub

Adam Candeub is a law professor at Michigan State University and former Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. He specializes in telecommunications law and policy. Candeub has a background in both academia and government, having served as the Deputy Chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Media Bureau. His research and teaching focus on the intersection of law, technology, and communications. Candeub holds a JD from Stanford Law School and a BA from Yale University. He has published numerous articles on communications law and policy, contributing significantly to debates on internet governance and regulatory frameworks.