Cambridge, MA — At a time when state-level efforts to protect democracy are more critical than ever, Partners In Democracy is investing to ramp up its democracy renovation work. PID is pleased to announce the hiring of Jerren Chang as the organization’s new, full-time President and CEO.
Founded in 2022 by internationally recognized democracy expert Danielle Allen, Partners In Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit, working for democracy renovation at the state level in Massachusetts, Ohio, and beyond. PID’s holistic approach emphasizes all the pillars of a healthy democracy — the right to vote, the right to run for office, the right to see and shape our communities, and a culture of democratic commitment. PID’s work includes offering foundational civic education; leading rigorous research to identify gaps in the health of democracy and develop solutions; building intentional, inclusive multiracial and cross-ideological coalitions to advance reforms; and educating and equipping community members to organize for change. As President and CEO, Chang will lead on deepening PID’s work in Massachusetts and Ohio, and expanding PID’s efforts alongside partners in other states.
Chang has served on the board of PID-Education, one of the member organizations, since PID’s beginning, and will officially transition into his new role on January 1st. Chang is an experienced and innovative nonprofit leader and the co-founder and CEO of GenUnity — an organization that supports the civic learning and leadership development of hundreds of grassroots residents in Massachusetts communities. Chang has also served in the Chicago Mayor’s Office, where he focused on economic development, and as a consultant supporting public and social sector leaders at McKinsey & Company.
“If we want to tackle the crises our communities are facing, we need a healthy democracy to help us solve problems together. And if we want to protect our democracy nationwide, we need to build a foundation of resilience at the state level,” Chang said. “Partners In Democracy is a leader in this work, and I can’t wait to help PID drive democracy renovation forward.”
As part of the transition, GenUnity will also join the PID family, where it will continue its civic learning mission under the PID umbrella. Danielle Allen’s lifelong democracy scholarship is at the heart of PID’s vision, and Allen will remain closely involved with PID’s work as chairperson of its board.
“Now more than ever, protecting our democracy depends on renovating it: getting our democracy working better so it actually does its job, delivers on our needs, earns our trust, and rewards our stewardship,” Allen said. “Jerren is a leader who can take the democracy renovation movement to the next level, and I’m beyond thrilled that he is stepping into this new role with PID.”