Dr. Robert Traynham will join the Faith & Politics Institute on February 17, 2025
Washington, D.C., January 27, 2025 - - The Faith & Politics Institute (FPI) announced today that its Board of Directors has selected Robert Traynham as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 17, 2025. In his new role, Traynham will lead the organization to carry out its mission to cultivate mutual respect and foster honest conversation among political leaders. He will oversee the planning and execution of FPI’s annual Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Alabama – which, this year, will honor the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala. in March.
“I had the privilege of working on the 50th anniversary of the Pilgrimage, and it is only fitting that I return to the organization as we begin to celebrate and reflect on the 60th anniversary,” Traynham said. “With a new administration and a new Congress, I am honored to be at the helm of an organization driving increased understanding through nonpartisan work, and I am motivated by FPI’s unwavering commitment to creating opportunities to advancing productive discourse and constructive collaboration for our democracy.”
Previously, Traynham served as the Global Spokesperson for Meta, as well as Head of External Affairs and Head of Global Public Affairs for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. The respected political veteran and communications expert has been on the forefront of designing and executing impactful communications, marketing and external campaigns for elected leaders, political organizations, non-profits and Fortune 50 companies such as Walmart, Comcast and Facebook for more than 25 years. Traynham was an MSNBC political analyst, moderator for the public affairs program “Newsmakers” and co-host of the radio talk show about elections and campaigns, “The Flacks.” In addition, Traynham authored a weekly column for the Philadelphia Tribune. He is a professor at Georgetown University and a Georgetown University Fellow.
Prior to his career in media, Traynham was a senior congressional staff member for the Senate Republican Conference, serving as a chief of staff and communications director. During his tenure in the Senate, Traynham served as the highest-ranking African American Republican in Congress. Before his roles in the leadership offices, Traynham served for many years as a senior aide and press secretary for Senator Rick Santorum (R – PA). Traynham holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cheyney University, a master’s degree in political communications from George Mason University, and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Aberdeen (Aberdeen, Scotland).
“With a range of experience, from public service to corporate, we are thrilled that Robert Traynham chose us. We have a pivotal role to play in encouraging our leaders to have deliberate, difficult dialogue that will bridge divides and foster empathy to inspire a commitment to justice and compassion. Robert is the best person to help lead us to where we need to go,” said David Marventano, FPI Board Chair. “We are looking forward to embarking on this new chapter under his guidance.”
About Faith & Politics Institute
The Faith & Politics Institute is a nonpartisan, interfaith organization dedicated to promoting dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among members of the faith community and political leaders. Through its educational programs and initiatives, the Faith & Institute seeks to bridge divides, foster empathy, and inspire a commitment to justice and compassion in the public sphere.