Melody Barnes

Melody Barnes is a public policy expert, educator, and former Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Barack Obama. A Senior Fellow at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service and former Vice Provost for Global Student Leadership Initiatives, she is recognised for her leadership in public policy, education, social justice, and civic engagement. Throughout her career, Barnes has advised senior government leaders, worked with the Aspen Institute and the Center for American Progress, and served as chief counsel to Senator Edward M. Kennedy. She is a sought-after speaker on leadership, public service, policy innovation, and advancing opportunity.