Georgetown University and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation have announced the selection of Alissa Cooper as the inaugural executive director of the KnightGeorgetown Institute (KGI).
This newly established hub is dedicated to advancing informed information and technology policy through the promotion of independent research. Cooper, recognized as a thought leader in technology policy, privacy, standards, and regulation, brings a wealth of insight and experience to guide the institute.
Dr. Cooper, formerly the vice president of engineering and fellow at Cisco Systems, played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s approach to technology standardization, public policy, and privacy in networking, security, and collaboration.
Alissa Cooper Named First Executive Director of the Knight–Georgetown Institute (Credits: George Town University)
Her significant leadership roles included chairing the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a premier global Internet standards organization. More information about Cooper’s background can be found here.
Georgetown University Provost Robert M. Groves expressed satisfaction with the appointment, stating, “We are very pleased to welcome Alissa as the inaugural executive director of KGI. Her experience in multiple sectors will propel forward KGI’s establishment of partnerships crucial to the institute’s mission.”
The KnightGeorgetown Institute, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, was announced in May as a central hub for a growing network of scholarship aiming to influence the use of technology in producing, disseminating, and accessing information.
Made possible by a $30 million commitment from the Knight Foundation and Georgetown University, the institute serves as a resource for decision-makers in the public and private sectors, journalists, and others dealing with complex issues. It also functions as a neutral convener in Washington, D.C.
Alissa Cooper expressed her honor in leading the institute, stating, “I am humbled and honored to lead the work of the KnightGeorgetown Institute at this critical moment in our nation’s history.
Working with the brightest minds at Georgetown and across the interdisciplinary research field, we have a unique opportunity to empower informed decision-making that will shape our shared futures and our democracy.”
As part of Georgetown’s Tech & Society Initiative, the KnightGeorgetown Institute is strategically positioned to distill actionable insights from academic research, making them accessible to policymakers, private sector leaders, journalists, and civil society.
The institute’s launch builds on the Knight Foundation’s commitment of over $100 million to support independent researchers, technologists, and policy experts through the Knight Research Network.
John Sands, Knight Foundation’s senior director for Media & Democracy, highlighted the institute’s role in closing gaps in understanding the impact of digitally-mediated information on democracy.
He emphasized that, under Alissa’s leadership, the KnightGeorgetown Institute will ensure that consensus in the research community is both accessible and actionable.
Georgetown’s Tech & Society Initiative, a cross-campus network, includes various centers and institutes engaged in interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and action at the intersection of technology, ethics, and governance.
The Knight Foundation, as social investors, supports a more effective democracy through funding free expression, journalism, arts and culture, research in media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns. More information can be found on their website at kf.org, and you can follow them on social media @knightfdn.
