WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 23, 2026. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is proud to announce that the Honorable Sam Brownback and Carrie Filipetti have been elected to its Board of Directors. Both bring deep experience in advancing democratic values, defending fundamental freedoms, and strengthening U.S. leadership in the face of authoritarian repression.
“Ambassador Brownback and Carrie Filipetti bring a clarity, conviction, and real-world experience to the challenge posed by authoritarianism,” said Peter Roskam, Chairman of NED’s Board of Directors. “Their experience across government, civil society, and international engagement will strengthen NED’s ability to support courageous partners working on the frontlines of freedom.”
“Ambassador Brownback and Carrie understand that the most lasting change doesn’t come from the outside—it’s driven by courageous people working within their own societies to demand freedom and accountability,” said Damon Wilson, NED President and Chief Executive Officer. “NED stands with these local leaders to support those pushing for the freedom to think, speak, worship, and participate politically. That’s how we counter authoritarianism, and how we advance America’s security and global stability.”
“Authoritarian regimes are working to silence civic leaders and crush basic freedoms,” said Damon Wilson, NED President and Chief Executive Officer. “Sam and Carrie understand that standing with those working to secure the freedom to think, speak, worship, and participate politically is essential to America’s security and global stability. We’re honored to welcome them to NED’s Board.”
“Freedom of conscience and belief are foundational to human dignity,” said Brownback. “NED’s work helps ensure that people around the world can live according to their values without fear or coercion. I’m honored to join the Board and support this vital mission.”
“In every role I’ve held, I’ve seen how progress for our partners, and security for us as Americans, comes when local leaders take the lead,” said Filipetti. “NED empowers those already working to build responsive institutions and defend fundamental rights by backing their vision for a freer, more accountable future. I’m honored to join the Board and help advance that mission.”
Ambassador Sam Brownback has spent decades in senior public service advancing human dignity, democratic values, and freedom of religion around the world. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Summit and Chairman of the National Committee for Religious Freedom, leading global efforts to protect religious liberty and counter repression. From 2018 to 2021, he served as United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, working across regions and faith communities to confront persecution and advocate for the rights of believers facing state repression.
Previously, Brownback represented Kansas in the United States Senate, where he was a principal architect of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the author of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as the 46th Governor of Kansas. His career reflects a sustained commitment to freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. He is one of only six individuals in American history to have served in all four roles: congressman, senator, governor, and ambassador.
Carrie Filipetti is the Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition, where she leads efforts to advance a strong, principled, and bipartisan U.S. foreign policy rooted in national security and democratic values. She also serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Wilson Center. From 2019 to 2021, she held senior roles at the U.S. Department of State, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cuba and Venezuela and as Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela. In recognition of her service, she received the State Department’s Superior Honor Award.
Filipetti previously served as Senior Advisor at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, advising on counterterrorism, Middle East policy, and Western Hemisphere affairs. Earlier in her career, she worked in strategic philanthropy and helped co-found Start-Up Nation Central, a nonprofit connecting global partners with Israeli innovation. Her experience spans diplomacy, philanthropy, and policy engagement focused on countering authoritarian influence and strengthening democratic institutions.
Their appointments come as NED continues to support local partners worldwide who are defending free expression, religious freedom, civic participation, and accountable governance in increasingly restrictive environments.
About the National Endowment for Democracy
NED is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide. Established in 1983 as part of President Reagan’s vision to foster an “infrastructure of democracy” with a bipartisan Congressional mandate, NED supports grassroots leaders striving for the freedom to think, speak, worship, engage politically, and support their families without fear. It mobilizes key pillars of American democracy, from political parties to business and labor, to support their counterparts abroad through the Core institutes that form the NED family: the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center.
