Mark Winston Griffith
Executive Director
mwgriffith@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Mark Winston Griffith is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy. Mark is also a community economic justice activist and journalist whose articles have appeared in dozens of publications including the New York Times, the Nation, the New York Daily News, the Village Voice, the Source, Spin magazine and Essence magazine. Mark is also a columnist with Gotham Gazette, a board member of Free Speech TV based in Denver Colorado, and a board member of City Futures, which includes City Limits magazine and the Center for an Urban Future.

From 2005 to 2007, Mark served as the co-director of the Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project, a leading economic justice advocacy group. Prior to that he served for twelve years as the founding Executive Director of the Central Brooklyn Partner?ship, a grassroots economic self-determination organization, and was the founding board chair of the Central Brooklyn Federal Credit Union.

Mark is a gradu?ate of Brown Universi?ty and received a Master's degree in contemporary literature from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria in 1988. Mark was also a Revson Fellow at Columbia Universi?ty, a Rockefeller Foundation’s Next Generation Leadership Fellow and an Open Society Institute (OSI) Community Fellow.

The Los Angeles Times’ Ron Brownstein called Mark a “fresh voice” on economic security policy. Mark was the recipient of the Union Square Award and has also received awards from Crain's New York Business, Black Enterprise magazines, Fortune Magazine and New York Magazine. Click here to read more about Mark.

Amy Traub
Director of Research
atraub@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Amy Traub joined the Drum Major Institute as research director in 2005. Since then, she has directed all of DMI’s policy research, analysis, and issue framing in a broad range of areas—immigration policy, economic policy, urban policy, and federal policy—while working to advance the middle-class policy framework for which DMI has become known. In the span of just a few years, Amy has authored several influential DMI reports, including “Principles for an Immigration Policy to Strengthen and Expand the American Middle Class,” and a proposal to reform New York City’s personal income tax, which was widely covered by the political press. Along with her original research, Amy regularly highlights model policies from around the country that have put progressive values into practice at the local, state, and national level. She has presented expert testimony to congressional staff and to the New York City Council. An accomplished writer, Amy has contributed numerous essays and opinion articles to a variety of publications, including The Nation, Newsday, The Albany Times-Union, and The Star-Ledger. Her book chapter, “A Strengthened Middle Class,” appeared in Thinking Big: Progressive Ideas for a New Era (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2009). She is a regular contributor to the DMI Blog and has appeared on several radio programs to discuss policy debates in the news. In 2008, Amy was honored for her work at DMI with a Cornerstone Award from the Jewish Funds for Justice. Before joining DMI, Amy headed the research department of a major New York City labor union, where her efforts contributed to the resolution of strikes and successful union organizing campaigns by hundreds of working New Yorkers. Labor and workplace issues remain among her major research interests. Amy holds a BA in political science from the University of Chicago and an MA in political science from Columbia University, where she completed coursework toward a Ph.D.

Op-eds
Pro & Con: Should Congress make it easier to join unions? by Amy Traub, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 23, 2009
The Fall of General Motors and the Three Paths to the Middle Class by Amy Traub, Today's Workplace, June 4, 2009
Tax Trepidations by Amy Traub, Open Left, April 16, 2009
What Albany Got Right in the State Budget by Amy Traub, The Brian Lehrer Show, April 3, 2009
Why Conservatives Can't Think Big About the Middle Class by Amy Traub, Huffington Post, March 25, 2009
Melding the Middle by Amy Traub, Open Left, January 19, 2009

Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor: Illegals and Lost Wages by Amy Traub, The New York Sun, January 16, 2006

Position Papers and DMI.com Articles
DMI Tax Reform Fact Sheet by Amy Traub, DMI Web, February 17, 2009
DMI's Prepared Remarks: Congressional Staff Briefing on Immigration by Amy Traub, DMI, April 11, 2007
Testimony Before The New York City Council Committees on Immigration and Civil Rights by Amy Traub, DMI Web, March 29, 2006

Kia Franklin
Senior Fellow, Civil Justice
kfranklin@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Kia C. Franklin joined The Drum Major Institute in 2007 as a senior fellow in civil justice. Kia’s work focuses on promoting and strengthening the civil legal rights of ordinary Americans. Her research examines how the civil court system protects and empowers people, focusing on the ways in which corporate power influences access to the courts. Kia has represented DMI on local and national coalitions and to advocacy groups working to protect Americans’ legal rights. She has published reports and law review articles on critical civil justice issues, and presented her work to a variety of legal and media watchdog groups around the country. Her essays on major legal topics have appeared in The Nation, the Houston Chronicle, Newsday, and The Root. Kia is managing editor of TortDeform.com, a widely recognized source in the blogosphere of lively debate on civil justice issues and the dangers of tort “reform.” Kia earned her BA in political science and African and African-American studies from Stanford University, and her JD from Georgetown University Law Center.

Op-eds
Screwed by the Fine Print by Kia Franklin, The Nation, February 10, 2009
Obama, McCain views of unequal-pay case are revealing by Kia Franklin, New York Newsday, October 21, 2008
Keeping the insurers in check by Kia Franklin, Houston Chronicle, October 19, 2008
Death on a Hospital Floor by Kia Franklin, The Root, July 7, 2008
Happy 100th Birthday, Thurgood Marshall by Kia Franklin, TPMCafe, July 2, 2008

Letter to the Editor
The Injustice of Private Arbitration by Kia Franklin, The Washington Post, April 21, 2008

In the News
Paying It Back and Forward: Senate to Vote on Pay Discrimination Bill by Robert Knight, Public News Service, April 23, 2008

Position Papers and DMI.com Articles
Six Guiding Principles of a Pro-Civil Justice Presidential Platform by Kia Franklin, DMI, January 10, 2008

John Petro
Policy Analyst, Urban Affairs
jpetro@drummajorinstitute.org
 
John Petro joined the Drum Major Institute in March 2008 as an urban policy analyst. He runs the Progressive Urban Model Policies (PUMP) Project, a first-of-its-kind initiative to organize and share best practices in policy design and implementation. The goal of PUMP is to enable model progressive polices in particular cities to be replicated in other cities with similar needs. John’s work encompasses the full range of urban policy—housing, transportation, land use, economic development, environmental sustainability, and beyond—with an emphasis on promoting the best interests of current and aspiring middle class people. His writing on urban issues has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle and he has been a guest blogger for Next American City. He previously worked for the Research and Evaluation division of the Child Welfare League of America in Washington, D.C., where his research focused on child welfare and juvenile justice systems. He earned his BA in political science from the University of Central Florida and his MA in international relations from Seton Hall University.

Op-eds
Eastern Neighborhoods Plan needs no revision by John Petro, San Francisco Chronicle, September 29, 2008

Harry Moroz
Research Associate
hmoroz@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Harry Moroz joined the Drum Major Institute as a researcher in December 2007. Currently, he serves as research associate for federal policy and urban policy while identifying policies to highlight in DMI’s Marketplace of Ideas series. He provides all research and analysis for TheMiddleClass.org, DMI’s Congressional accountability tool designed to keep middle-class Americans informed about how Congress is serving their interests. Harry investigates how legislation on everything from taxes and housing to the environment and education impacts the middle-class standard of living. His work on cities also keeps him focused on Washington, specifically on how a revitalized urban agenda can play a role in national economic recovery and how federal urban policy can empower mayors at the local level. During the 2008 presidential campaign, he interviewed numerous mayors around the country for MayorTV, a video reporting project he directed. Harry is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and DMI Blog. He has appeared on The Brian Lehrer Show and has been quoted by WNYC radio and Gotham Gazette. Harry graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Law, Letters, and Society.

Op-eds
Changing the Climate for Cities? by Harry Moroz, Huffington Post, June 24, 2009
Summer in the City – Not on the Road - for Stimulus Supervisors by Harry Moroz, Public News Service, June 22, 2009
Want A Successful Stimulus? Reactivate Obama's Grassroots Operation in Cities by Harry Moroz, Huffington Post, June 18, 2009
Will Obama's PAYGO Proposal Increase Taxes? by Harry Moroz, Huffington Post, June 11, 2009
The First Hundred Days by Harry Moroz, Huffington Post, May 27, 2009
Jack Kemp and the Failed Republican Urban Agenda by Harry Moroz, Huffington Post, May 8, 2009

Afton Branche
Research Assistant
abranche@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Afton Branche joined the Drum Major Institute as a research assistant in February 2009. She assists the research director and focuses on federal, state and local immigration policy. In particular, her research examines the shared economic interests of immigrants and the American middle class. Prior to joining DMI, Afton worked with Cause & Affect, a Los Angeles-based media consulting firm, specializing in social action campaigns. Afton graduated from Georgetown University with a BS in foreign service in 2008. She majored in culture and politics with a focus on international development, and received a certificate in African studies. While in Washington, D.C., Afton worked with Vital Voices Global Partnership, focusing on global women's leadership initiatives and grant management.

Cristina Jimenez
Immigration Policy Consultant
cjimenez@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Cristina graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Political Science and Business from Queens College in 2007. As an undergraduate, Cristina organized and created initiatives for the advancement of immigrant youth and minority students. During her senior year, Cristina designed and received funding for a mentorship program for immigrant high school students with the purpose of helping students successfully graduate from high school and attend college. In 2006, she received the Queens College's Student Activities Award.

Cristina is a founding member of the New York State Youth Leadership Council, a network of young advocates representing high schools, colleges, communities of faith and community-based organizations committed to promoting the advancement of immigrant youth through leadership development and advocacy. She has advocated for the passage of the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform for the past three years.

Cristina worked at the Latin American Integration Center, where she developed a youth curriculum focused on civic participation and immigrant communities, and engaged youth in voter mobilization efforts in Queens. She also became the Immigrant Rights Organizer, where she worked developing the power and leadership of immigrant communities in Queens for the passage of comprehensive immigration reform and pro-immigrant legislation.

Cristina has been profiled in the Daily News and El Diario, and quoted in the Daily News, Columbia Spectator, El Diario, and Hoy.

Op-eds
The Real Economics of Immigration Reform by Cristina Jimenez, The American Prospect, February 12, 2009
Hey Conservatives: Immigrants Help, Not Hurt, Our Economy by Cristina Jimenez, AlterNet.org, December 23, 2008
Un análisis de asimilación que se queda corto / An Inadequate Analysis of Assimilation by Cristina Jimenez, El Diario, June 12, 2008
An Inadequate Analysis of Assimilation / Un an∑lisis de asimilaci—n que se queda corto by Cristina Jimenez, El Diario, June 12, 2008

Dan Morris
Director of Communications
dmorris@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Dan Morris joined the staff of the Drum Major Institute in September 2008. A communications strategist with a policy, research, and editorial background, he specializes in issue-based media campaigns. His diverse portfolio of issues encompasses urban policy, economic policy, education, technology, criminal justice, environmentalism, healthcare, philanthropy, the arts, and the politics of New York City. His high-impact story placements have appeared in such outlets as The Associated Press, Reuters, New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and The New York Daily News. He has successfully pitched segments to NY1, C-SPAN, MSNBC, NPR, WNYC, and other stations. He has worked with bloggers at The Politicker, The Daily Intelligencer, mediabistro.com, and around the web. His essays, and ones written for clients and colleagues, have been published in The Nation, The Huffington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Austin American-Statesman, Bookforum, and some other places. Before joining DMI, he was the head of public relations at eChalk, an organization that empowers schools with web-based technology, where he built a new communications operation focused on message development, press cultivation, thought leadership, and issue advocacy. Earlier, he served as a press officer and writer at The New School, where he was heavily involved in daily frontline communications, generating news coverage for leaders and initiatives associated with progressive political, economic, and social change. He has also been an editor and researcher for the feminist author Drucilla Cornell, and a legislative analyst for a major study of legal mobilization and school reform since desegregation. An experienced educator, he has taught literature to junior high students in New Jersey, and philosophy to college students in New York City. He received his MA in philosophy from The New School for Social Research, and his BA in political science from Rutgers University. He lives in Greenwich Village.

Karin Dryhurst
Communications Assistant
kdryhurst@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Karin Dryhurst joined the Drum Major Institute in November 2008 as communications assistant. She assists with various aspects of web strategy, but focuses primarily on Google AdWord campaigns that connect thousands of online searchers each week to DMI’s Congressional accountability website TheMiddleClass.org, which features extensive analysis of federal policy from DMI’s middle class perspective. After just a few months, her Google Ad campaigns have boosted overall traffic and greatly increased the number of new visitors to TheMiddleClass.org. Karin also helps conduct media outreach for DMI’s research and special events, and contributes weekly to the DMI blog, weighing in on issues related to the struggling media industry. An experienced reporter and blogger, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Greensboro News & Record, and Under the Dome, the state politics blog of the Raleigh News & Observer. Her strong interest in politics and policy led her to conduct opposition research for McCorkle Policy Consulting in North Carolina. She graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in journalism and mass communication and political science.

Tsedey Betru
Director of DMI Scholars
tbetru@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Prior to joining the Drum Major Institute, Tsedey was the Director of Administration for the New York City Center for Charter School Excellence, managing operations for a range of services that support New York City charter schools. She has provided research support to PolicyLink on their Equitable Development Toolkit, the Center for Social Inclusion?s Diversity Advancement Initiative and the Living Cities Milano Collaborative for the Milano Graduate School for Management and Urban Policy. In addition to her work in nonprofit administration and research, Tsedey led national and local mobilization campaigns with young people for the Fannie Lou Hamer Project of the National Voting Rights Institute and the 7th Street McClymonds Neighborhood Improvement Initiative of the San Francisco Foundation. These campaigns aim to build the capacity of youth to become agents of change in their communities. She serves on the Coordinating Committee of The Grassroots Movement, a national grassroots advocacy organization. Originally from Ethiopia, Tsedey grew up in Memphis and currently resides in Manhattan. She has a B.S. in Urban Planning from Cornell University and a M.S. in Nonprofit Management from New School University.

Position Papers and DMI.com Articles
Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You, Ask How to Impact Policies that Impact You by Tsedey Betru, DMIBlog, January 11, 2007

Lauren Su
Operations Manager
lsu@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Lauren Su joined the staff of the Drum Major Institute as the Operations Manager in January 2007. Prior to joining DMI, she worked in public relations at CNN. A native New Yorker, Lauren graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in Government, concentrating in Law and Society. In Washington D.C., Lauren worked as an outreach coordinator with the National Foundation for Women Legislators, an organization that strives to provide strategic resources and leadership development for women legislators on the local, state, and national levels.

Paul Wolfram
Administrative Associate
pwolfram@drummajorinstitute.org
 
Paul Wolfram joined the Drum Major Institute in January 2009 as an administrative associate. He produces the annual media mailer, distributes TheMiddleclass.org Congressional Scorecard, and manages the fundraising database. Going forward, Paul will conduct outreach to DMI supporters to encourage their attendance at Marketplace of Ideas events. A classically trained cellist, Paul received his BM from Lawrence University and his MM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to moving to New York in August 2008, Paul worked as a musician and cello teacher in Madison, Wisconsin.

Andrea Batista Schlesinger
Executive Director (on leave)
abs@drummajorinstitute.org
 

Andrea Batista Schlesinger is currently on a leave of absence as the Executive Director of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy. During her tenure as Executive Director, Andrea Batista Schlesinger applied her background in public policy, politics and communications to lead the effort to turn the Drum Major Institute, originally founded by an advisor to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement, into a progressive policy institute with national impact. Under Andrea's leadership, DMI has released several important policy papers to national audiences; produced the only progressive analysis of the immigration debate addressing the concerns of the squeezed middle-class; created its Marketplace of Ideas series, which highlights successful progressive policies from across the country; launched two policy blogs that reach several thousand readers each day; and, launched a national program to connect college students from under-represented communities to careers in policy. Andrea has doubled DMI's staff, capacity and budget, making it a leading source for progressive ideas.

Andrea recently completed a book called The of Death of Why?: The Decline of Questioning and the Future of Democracy, slated for release in spring 2009. She highlights individuals and institutions working to cultivate new forms of inquiry that can reinvigorate our democracy through enhanced curiosity and healthy skepticism. Inquiry is what drives democracy, she argues, because it enables citizens to ask what kind of society they want to live in and to demand thoughtfulness from the leaders they choose.

Andrea studied public policy at the University of Chicago. Before DMI, Andrea directed a national campaign to engage college students in the discussion on the future of Social Security for the Pew Charitable Trusts and served as the education advisor to Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer. She has been profiled in publications including the New York Times, New Yorker magazine, Latina Magazine and in 'Hear us Now,' an award-winning documentary about her tenure as the student member of the New York City Board of Education. In media outlets from NPR to The Huffington Post, Andrea is turned to for her forward-thinking analysis on America's greatest challenges. She has appeared on television shows including CNN’s 'Lou Dobbs Tonight' and has been published in publications including The Nation, New York Newsday, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Mississippi Sun Herald, New York Daily News, Alternet.com, Tom Paine.com, New York Sun, Colorlines Magazine, The Chief-Leader, and City Limits magazine. She was named a '40 under 40 Rising Star' by Crain's New York Business in 2007, a “Next Generation of Political Leaders in New York' by City Hall Newspaper, and received a LatinaPAC Dolores Huerta Award for 'making great strides in promoting progress in our community.' She serves on the Editorial Board of The Nation, and the boards of the Sadie Nash Leadership Project, WireTap and the Applied Research Center. Andrea has presented at numerous conferences, including Take Back America, Institute for Women's Policy Research, YearlyKos, and Facing Race. She was recently appointed by New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to the New York City Traffic Mitigation Congestion Commission.