P R E S S R E L E A S E

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Ian Finseth Barry Kendall, Executive Director

650-854-9796 650-854-9796

ifinseth@commonwealinstitute.org bkendall@commonwealinstitute.org

PROGRESSIVE THINK TANK APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Available for Interviews Regarding New Progressive Movement

(Menlo Park, Calif.)—July 2, 2007—The Commonweal Institute, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to promoting progressive values, announced today the appointment of its new Executive Director, Barry Kendall, Ph.D. Dr. Kendall succeeds Laurie Spivak, who stepped down in April but remains a Fellow of the Institute.

“Since 2001, the Commonweal Institute has promoted the development of a cohesive progressive movement,” says Katherine Forrest, the Institute’s President and Co-Founder. “We help progressives communicate our values and ideas in more effective ways, by providing organizations and activists with idea-marketing resources and opportunities for collaboration. With his strategic vision and impressive communication skills, Barry will lead us in expanding the scope and reach of these activities.”

Dr. Kendall brings to Commonweal significant experience in non-profit management and a history of engagement with progressive political causes. An accomplished stage actor and a coach in public speaking techniques, he is comfortable on camera and is available for interviews on a range of issues. He is especially knowledgeable about the development of progressive infrastructure, the historical role of religion in American politics, and the use of new media, including blogs, in promoting progressive values.

“Commonweal brings together the best minds of the progressive movement to collaborate on new communications strategies for promoting progressive values. Our Fellows write and lead discussions on several of the most widely-read political blogs, and our Progressive Roundtable program convenes dozens of marketing and communications professionals from progressive organizations in order to help the progressive movement reach the public with effective, unified messages,” said Kendall. “I am excited to spread the word about Commonweal’s achievements and build on them as we work to create a sustainable progressive majority in this country. My immediate priorities are bringing focus to the Institute’s diverse activities, representing Commonweal in the public sphere, and securing financial support for our work.”

An Arkansas native, Dr. Kendall began his career working in the Atlanta arts community, including three seasons as Managing Director of 7 Stages, a professional theatre that builds partnerships with international artists and engages audiences in pressing social issues. During his tenure, he managed program expansion into China, France, and Mexico. He also worked for the Olympic Arts Festival, Alliance Theatre Company, and Emory University. Dr. Kendall has worked in a variety of political roles, including field work for Bill Bradley 2000 and directing media and events for the 2006 Democratic campaign in San Mateo County, California.

Dr. Kendall’s academic background includes a B.A. from Emory University, where he was a Bobby Jones Scholar and studied in Scotland, a Masters degree in Religion from Yale University, and a doctorate in Drama at Stanford University, where he focused on theatrical modes of persuasion in modern Protestant movements and cultures. His doctoral thesis, “Changing American Minds: Performances of Evangelism in the Early Republic,” examines the historical roots of the American evangelical movement and its contributions to persistent values in our culture. He has lectured on his innovative scholarship at conferences and in classrooms around the country and abroad.

ABOUT THE COMMONWEAL INSTITUTE

The Commonweal Institute is a think tank that seeks to maximize the visibility and the power of progressive ideas and values. From environmental protection to racial justice, from religious tolerance to economic security, the Commonweal Institute promotes fundamental American ideals of community, responsibility, and fairness. Applying a unique combination of policy analysis, strategy, and marketing expertise, Commonweal works to advance the common good, both now and for future generations. Website: www.commonwealinstitute.org.

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