The Century Foundation, a New York–based public policy think tank, today announced the appointment of senior education fellow and former U.S. Department of Education deputy undersecretary Robert Shireman and labor fellow Julie Kashen.

These appointments coincide with the promotion of Lucy Muirhead to the role of vice president of communications and the hiring of Kimberly Quick as an education policy associate.

TCF president Mark Zuckerman said the new appointments are part of a commitment to increase the foundation’s impact on education and labor policy nationally.

Robert Shireman, senior fellow:

“Bob Shireman has dedicated a lifetime of service to improving education policy in ways that directly benefit students, and together with The Century Foundation that effort will continue, helping to ensure all Americans obtain equal access to a quality education,” said Zuckerman.

“Bob’s record of achievement in education policy, working together with Presidents Obama and Clinton, is well known by all in the sector and includes student loan reforms, increased Pell Grants, expanded college preparation courses, new consumer protections for students attending for-profit colleges, and simplified financial aid processes.

“Together with senior fellows Richard D. Kahlenberg and Greg Anrig, fellow Halley Potter and new policy associate Kimberly Quick, Bob’s drive and determination will only strengthen The Century Foundation’s impact on education policy in the years to come.”

Shireman said: “I am honored to join a think tank with such a strong reputation for improving diversity, equity, and quality in pre-K, K–12 and higher education. The chance to work with such esteemed colleagues on the full spectrum of education, labor, and poverty issues is an opportunity I could not pass up.”

Julie Kashen, fellow:

“Julie Kashen will join our labor policy team, bringing her action-oriented approach to research and policy to support legislative and workplace level changes that benefit working parents and the working poor,” said Zuckerman.

“As the policy lead at the Make it Work Campaign, Julie currently helps shape and promote the campaign's national agenda focused on work and family, caregiving and equal pay. She has a demonstrated track record of implementing successful policy changes to improve the lives of working people, including the enactment of Family Leave Insurance in New Jersey under Governor Jon Corzine and launching the national Paid Sick Days movement as an advisor to the late Senator Ted Kennedy.”

Kashen said: “I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with The Century Foundation on evidence-based and innovative policy ideas that improve the lives of working people.”

Lucy Muirhead, vice president of communications

Former director of media relations Lucy Muirhead has been promoted to TCF’s management team as vice president of communications. Lucy brings a decade of experience working in communications, government, policy and campaigning in the United States and Australia and will continue to promote TCF’s research and policy writing to new audiences.

Kimberly Quick, policy associate

The expanded education team will be supported by new policy associate Kimberly Quick, based in TCF’s Washington, D.C. office. Kimberly graduated summa cum laude from Wake Forest University in 2014 with a BA in Politics and International Affairs and minors in English and American Ethnic Studies. Most recently she completed a fellowship at the Office of the Provost at Wake Forest, where she helped to develop the university's communications, programming, and policy related to diversity and inclusion and student experiences.

About The Century Foundation

The Century Foundation seeks to foster opportunity, reduce inequality, and promote security at home and abroad. Founded in 1919 by the progressive business leader Edward Filene, the Foundation pursues its mission by conducting timely, nonpartisan research and policy analysis that informs citizens, guides policymakers, and reshapes what government does for the better.