The new year is a time for new beginnings, and that’s especially true here at Lincoln Network as we start 2022. I will be moving into a non-executive leadership role as chairman of the board of directors, where I will be joined by my co-founder Aaron Ginn. This will allow us to remain involved in shaping Lincoln’s vision and strategic direction, even as we place the day-to-day execution of that vision into new hands. True to our Silicon Valley roots, Aaron and I are launching a new venture-backed tech startup, and we are thrilled to continue our involvement with Lincoln Network even as our day-to-day focus increasingly shifts to this new effort. Our new firm will occupy a unique mission-aligned space that builds on work we have done over the past eight years at Lincoln Network, and something that we are both passionate about. Don’t worry, you’ll still see both of us frequently at Lincoln events and conferences.
We are delighted to welcome a new executive leadership team at Lincoln Network, with our longtime head of policy Zach Graves moving up to lead the organization as its executive director. Zach, a veteran Washington policy researcher and advocate with a broad network on both coasts, will continue the organization’s work to bridge the two cultures of Silicon Valley and DC, and address the critical policy challenges that are defining our future. These are more important than ever, as the nation grapples with issues such as preserving individual liberty in the new digital public square, open protocols and Web3 technologies that promise to reshape the Internet and re-empower individuals and communities, and America’s leadership role in combating new forms of technology-enabled totalitarianism as global powers such as China work to advance their own dark vision for the future. In addition, Grace Meyer will be moving from head of development to be Lincoln’s new chief operating officer.
We’re undertaking this transition at a time when Lincoln has never been stronger financially or programmatically. Our Studio is producing world-class products that are achieving national scale and significance. Our events—sadly taken out of the physical realm in 2020 during the COVID pandemic—came back in rousing fashion this year, drawing participation from eminent figures ranging from Peter Thiel to Antonio Garcia Martinez (who recently joined our team full time as a senior fellow). Meanwhile, our policy experts are increasingly seen as the go-to source for policymakers in Washington as they confront a legion of tech challenges. Add it all up, and it’s clear that Lincoln Network has never been stronger or better positioned to mediate our country’s ongoing challenges between technology and public policy.
None of this work would be possible without the generosity of our many steadfast supporters throughout the country, and all of us at Lincoln Network are grateful for their contributions. If you are inspired to join their ranks, I hope you will contact us. At this time of new beginnings for Lincoln Network, there is nothing more that we would appreciate than the opportunity to begin new friendships with people like you who are concerned with the future of technology and society, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Cheers,
Garrett Johnson
Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board
