Reed Howard is a practitioner fellow in democracy at UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy and a civic leader, minister, and Virginian who champions values-based leadership and American democratic norms. 
 
As chief strategy officer at Future Caucus, Howard helps a new generation of elected leaders in Congress and state legislatures govern effectively, pass more representative policy, and build public trust in democracy. He also serves as a United Methodist minister at Georgetown University, where he lives in an interreligious community of imams, rabbis, Buddhist monks, and Jesuit priests. His experience spans presidential, state, and local campaigns, as well as the Virginia Senate. 

At 20 years old, Howard was elected to local office and oversaw liquor licenses—before he could legally drink. In today’s polarized landscape, he is dedicated to advancing innovative, pragmatic ideas that bridge divides and strengthen democracy. 
 
Howard is a member of the Aspen Institute’s Weave: The Social Fabric Project. He also writes Maverick, a newsletter popular among political centrists. 
 
Howard holds a master's of divinity degree with a focus on ethics and moral leadership from Emory University and a B.S. in culture and politics from Georgetown University.