Lauren Bright, director, is the primary legal advisor to the foundation’s United States Program division and Global Policy & Advocacy division. In this role, she leads legal services and support to assure foundation compliance with domestic and international laws and regulations. In 2015, Lauren assumed the additional position of director of the foundation’s Washington, D.C., office, where she oversees daily operations and business efficiency in support of the foundation’s missions.

Prior to joining the foundation in 2005, Lauren counseled trade associations, professional societies, public charities, and other nonprofit organizations at Shaw Pittman LLP (currently Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman) on a broad portfolio of federal and state legal issues. Over the course of her legal career, she also represented national education associations and institutions of higher education on legislative and regulatory matters before Congress and United States administrative agencies.

Lauren received a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Gettysburg College, where she currently serves on the board of trustees.