Edward M. Kennedy Institute Announces Pamela Peak as new Chief Development Officer

November 27, 2023 (Boston, Mass.) – The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate announced today the appointment of Pamela Peak as Chief Development Officer. Peak brings two decades of experience in political science and fundraising to strengthen the Kennedy Institute’s nationwide work to develop solutions to move the country toward a constructive, productive, and functioning American democracy.

“We are thrilled to have Pamela Peak joining us to support the incredible growth and advancement that the Kennedy Institute has experienced in the last year,” said Adam G. Hinds, CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. “As our commitment to strengthening American democracy expands, Pam’s fundamental knowledge of the national political landscape paired with her extraordinary talents at building a community of support makes her the perfect person to advance our goals.”

In her new role, Peak will lead the Kennedy Institute’s fundraising and development strategies to grow and strengthen the community of funders, sponsors, and members in support of the Kennedy Institute’s hallmark programs such as the Senate Project, Hyannis Port Summits, and Senate Immersion Module civic programs intended to advocate for inclusive and constructive dialogue in policymaking and promote the unique and critical role of the United States Senate to students, the public, and political leaders.

“The essential role the Kennedy Institute plays in creating informed citizens and working to solve America’s political divide makes it an invaluable institution deserving of support from across the country,” said Peak. “I am excited to further the Kennedy Institute’s mission by exploring untapped partnerships and connecting them to the shared values of a stronger, better functioning American government.”

Peak most recently served as the Director of Development for the Wellesley Free Library Foundation, overseeing all private fundraising including a record-breaking capital campaign to renovate the town’s main library in 2021. Prior to her time at the Wellesley Free Library, Pam was the founding Executive Director for Unite America (formerly The Centrist Project), a non-profit and affiliated think tank dedicated to improving democracy through a portfolio of reforms, including redistricting and electoral reforms.

Pamela spent nearly ten years working in global public health and education focusing on underserved communities, serving as the U.S. National Director for Right to Play and the Interim Chief Development Officer for Malaria No More. Additionally, Pamela led fundraising for environmental conservation programs at The Field Museum in Chicago. Pam has served as a fundraising consultant to leading non-profit organizations through her company ALEA Strategies, specializing in helping organizations strategically grow their revenue and impact—including national organizations in the education reform and civic education space.

Experience working in politics includes a role as the Policy Director for a U.S. House Candidate’s campaign, a volunteer on the Obama for President campaign, and a fundraiser on several US Senate campaigns. She attended Wellesley College, earning a B.A. in Economics, and received a Master’s Degree in Public Policy (M.P.P.) from the University of Chicago’s Harris School.

###

About the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. Learn more via www.emkinstitute.org.