“When the government cuts off funding essential to a robust university research environment, it isn’t just Harvard that pays the price — it’s the next generation of scientific talent, American innovation, and our long-term economic strength,” says Daniella Ballou-Aares, Founder and CEO of Leadership Now.
Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO of Leadership Now Project — a nonpartisan group of more than 400 business leaders — issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s remarks on the 2020 election.
Leadership Now submitted a public comment in response to an Office of Management and Budget proposed rule to regulate federal grantmaking and research funding (“Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” (OMB-2026-0034)). We expressed concern about vague and overbroad provisions in the…
Leadership Now Arizona Election Legitimacy Is an Economic Imperative Arizona business leaders — Republicans, Independents, and Democrats — signed an open letter affirming that free, fair, and secure elections are foundational to a thriving economy and stable communities. Add Your…
Arizona will be at the center of national attention in the 2026 midterms — and the officials who run its elections are preparing accordingly. Shifting federal support, ongoing legal challenges, and a special prosecutor investigation of the County Recorder are…
Polarization isn’t just a political problem. It’s an economic risk that threatens Arizona’s competitiveness and the social infrastructure that made the state thrive. At Arizona Town Hall’s annual meeting on June 17, 2026, John Fees, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of…
When courts are independent, contracts are secure and investments are safe. Without it, talent leaves, companies hesitate, and economic growth stalls. Richard A. Stoff, senior advisor of the Leadership Now Project and former founding president and CEO of the Ohio…
Leadership Now Project celebrates the bipartisan passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and urges President Trump to sign the bill into law immediately.
At Leadership Now’s 2026 Summit, a Wisconsin manufacturer, the Massachusetts lieutenant governor, and the Utah commerce director described how tariffs, funding cuts, and AI policy are playing out at the state level.
At the 2026 Leadership Now Summit, Pennsylvania’s governor argued that pragmatic, results-driven leadership is how America stays competitive — and how democratic government re-earns public trust.
Speaking with journalist and Leadership Now Catalyst Fund recipient Jessica Yellin in front of an audience of business leaders at the 2026 Leadership Now Summit, Governor Andy Beshear argued that Democrats can compete — and win — in deeply conservative states. The key: focus relentlessly on economic opportunity, authenticity, and practical governance.
At Leadership Now’s 2026 Summit, election experts warned that governorships, attorneys general, and secretaries of state—not Congress—will determine whether American democracy holds. This November, the most consequential races for the future of our democracy aren’t necessarily federal. State offices—governorships, attorneys…
Nobel Laureate Simon Johnson argues that the rules of the game matter as much as the players. At Leadership Now’s Summit last month, 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics Simon Johnson sat down with Leadership Now Advisory Board Chair Eddie Fishman…
At the Leadership Now Summit, rising political leaders made the case that Americans are hungry for pragmatism, patriotism, and real results. One of the Leadership Now Summit’s most optimistic and revealing conversations focused on the question of who comes next….
2026 Elections and a Competitive Economy: What Business Leaders Need to Know. At the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Sandy K. Baruah, the State of Michigan’s Jocelyn Benson, The New Industrial Corporation’s Peter Meijer, and Leadership Now…
At Leadership Now’s 2026 Summit, executives and technologists debated whether America is prepared for the scale and speed of the AI transition already underway. At Leadership Now’s recent convening, technology executives, investors, and policy leaders delivered a sobering message about…
At the Leadership Now Summit on May 11, the Michigan senator argued that America’s biggest threat isn’t overseas — it’s the shrinking middle class at home. Speaking candidly before a room of business leaders at the Leadership Now Summit, Senator…
NEW YORK, May 15, 2026 At the Leadership Now Project’s 2026 Annual Summit, A Roadmap for America’s Next Chapter, on May 11, Leadership Now launched the Catalyst Fund to mobilize new investments strengthening the political center. The political center in…
Arizona-based CEOs and Leadership Now Arizona co-founders John Fees and Adam Goodman, alongside social change expert Catherine Alonzo, wrote in the Phoenix Business Journal about why Arizona business leaders can no longer afford to stay on the sidelines when workforce…
New York, NY – The Leadership Now Project is proud to announce the 2026 Leadership Now Awards recipients: Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve; Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov, co-hosts, “Raging Moderates”; and Tom Florsheim Jr., CEO, Weyco Group….
April 3, 2026 — Leadership Now Project, with the support of pro bono counsel Friedman Kaplan Seiler Adelman & Robbins LLP, has filed an amicus curiae brief in the appeal concerning the President’s retaliatory Executive Orders against law firms (the…
The Constitution gives authority over elections to the states and Congress — not the executive branch. The administration’s March 31 executive order seeking federal control over aspects of mail-in voting is already facing swift legal challenges, with Oregon and Arizona…
Leadership Now Senior Advisor Richard Stoff outlines why a broad coalition of Ohio business leaders is supporting Dr. Amy Acton for governor, pointing to the state’s economic challenges and the need for leadership focused on long-term competitiveness, talent retention, and…
When the Pentagon labeled AI company Anthropic a “supply chain risk” — simply for refusing to build mass surveillance or autonomous weapons tools — it signaled something alarming about the state of American business: crony capitalism is spreading. Writing in…
Arizona’s 2020 election has been examined more than perhaps any election in modern American history—audited, litigated, reviewed, and certified multiple times. Each review reached the same conclusion: the election was conducted accurately and the results were legitimate, with no credible…
A new survey of Arizona business leaders finds overwhelming concern about the economic consequences of a potential expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the state.More than eight in ten Arizona business leaders (81.4%) say a surge in…
Today’s 6-3 Supreme Court ruling striking down the Trump Administration’s use of an emergency authority (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs reinforces a core constitutional principle: Congress, not the president, holds the authority to levy taxes. The decision underscores the economic…
Leadership Now Ohio member John Pepper, retired CEO of Procter & Gamble, recently authored 100 Books That Shaped My Life: Reflections on a Lifetime of Reading. In a fireside chat with his son, David Pepper, John reflects on four books that…
New York City’s position as the nation’s financial center, cultural capital, most visited city, media hub, and technology incubator all depend upon the ability for people and commerce to move in and out, easily and without disruption. That is why…
A new executive order seeks to streamline approvals that business and housing advocates say drive up costs. Leadership Now Project welcomes Governor Sherrill’s Executive Order to streamline and expedite permitting as a meaningful step toward strengthening New Jersey’s economic competitiveness…
The President’s escalating rhetoric about taking control of Greenland, and pressure on Denmark and the EU to cede the territory, create serious national security, economic, and legal risks. These actions threaten American business interests, alliances, and global stability, with no…
Leadership Now Condemns Politicization of Criminal Law in Powell Probe Organization urges Congress to defend Fed independence amid investigation of central bank chair. Leadership Now stands firmly behind Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and the principle of an independent central…
Leadership Now Project Announces Slate of Candidates to Renew Centrist Talent Organization of business executives follows up its analysis demonstrating the urgent need for generational renewal in Congress with a pipeline of solutions-oriented leaders to strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
Threats against Senator Mark Kelly and his family are unacceptable. Public servants in both parties should be able to do their jobs without fear. When political disagreement turns into personal threats, it stops the real work — solving problems, strengthening…
In December’s Greater Phoenix In Business Magazine, Leadership Now Arizona Co-Founders Adam Goodman and John Fees are highlighted for their leadership at the intersection of business and civic responsibility. Guest Editor: Adam Goodman — “Leadership and Purpose” Goodman argues that…
We’re honored to share that Leadership Now Arizona has been recognized with a 2025 Anthem Award for our work defending democracy and strengthening the conditions that allow business and communities to thrive. About the Award The Anthem Awards celebrate purpose-driven…
Leadership Now Project’s Survey Finds 84% of Business Leaders Worry About Political and Legal Climate’s Impact on Business Elevated Levels of Concern Unchanged from April Survey More Than A Third of Business Leaders Worry About Expressing Their Views On Government Policy New York – In the w
Leadership Now Senior Advisor Richard Stoff writes that Governor Mike DeWine has the chance to close his tenure with a defining act of fairness: leading Ohio toward a nonpartisan redistricting system that reflects the will of its voters. Stoff underscores…
Leadership Now Project’s Survey Finds 84% of Business Leaders Worry About Political and Legal Climate’s Impact on Business Elevated Levels of Concern Unchanged from April Survey More Than A Third of Business Leaders Worry About Expressing Their Views On Government…
On October 22, Leadership Now Arizona hosted business leaders for a virtual briefing on the risk environment surrounding Arizona’s 2026 elections—and why political instability poses a direct threat to the state’s economic future. Former Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates and…
Leadership Now Ohio member Martyn Redgrave, former Chief Operating Officer of L Brands and a lifelong Republican, makes the case for upholding democratic principles—including free, fair, and competitive elections that underpin economic confidence and stability.
Leadership Now Senior Advisor Richard Stoff and member James Ratner co-authored an opinion piece in The Plain Dealer calling for fair redistricting in Ohio as essential to both democracy and economic competitiveness. They argue that: Stoff and Ratner make the…
We’d like to share a note to Arizonans after the tragedy we witnessed this week. First, to Charlie Kirk’s wife and children, whose loss is irreparable and unjust, we extend our hearts. To the young people of Utah Valley University…
Saturday, September 13, 2025—We’d like to share a note to Arizonans after the tragedy we witnessed this week. First, to Charlie Kirk’s wife and children, whose loss is irreparable and unjust, we extend our hearts. To the young people of…
A new report from the Electoral Innovation Lab warns that Ohio’s upcoming congressional redistricting could displace millions of voters, destabilize incumbents, and further erode trust in democracy unless lawmakers adopt fairer maps. The nonpartisan report, Ohio Mid-Decade Redistricting: A Nonpartisan…
NEW YORK, NY— Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO of the Leadership Now Project, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s firing of Dr. Erika McEntarfer, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and his efforts to discredit the bureau’s recent jobs report: “President Trump’s f
Advisor. Inspirational Thought Partner. Champion of the Next Generation. Leadership Now Project mourns the passing of David Gergen, an advisor to Leadership Now since 2019 and an inspirational thought partner whose belief in principled leadership helped shape our work. Over the years, David was an
Leadership Now Project released the following statement after Congress advanced the budget reconciliation bill, securing only the support of Republican lawmakers.
Led by John Pepper, Jeni Britton, and Richard Stoff, 25 Ohio business leaders are among 275 across the country affirming that our research universities are critical to America’s competitiveness.
June 9, 2025 — Leadership Now Project has filed an amicus brief in President and Fellows of Harvard College v. United States Department of Health & Human Services, et al. before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The brief urges the court to block the federal gov
June 9, 2025 — Leadership Now Project has filed an amicus brief in President and Fellows of Harvard College v. United States Department of Health & Human Services, et al. before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts….
On June 5, Leadership Now Arizona hosted an executive discussion with over 60 business leaders on the economic impact of sweeping federal policy changes—including tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and suspended grant funding. Economist Jim Rounds and leaders from Local First Arizona,…
Pictured from left to right: Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares, former Maricopa County (AZ) Recorder Stephen Richer, and Leadership Now Arizona Co-Founder John Fees. Leadership Now Project, an organization of centrist business leaders, is proud to present Stephen Richer with…
An op-ed titled “Confronting the Threat to Democracy: A Call to Action for Arizona Business and Civic Leaders”—published in The Fulcrum by Leadership Now Arizona Co-Founder John Fees and former DHS Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism Elizabeth Neumann—calls on business and…
On May 6, 2025, CEOs John Fees (left) and Adam Goodman (right), co-chairs of Leadership Now Arizona, were honored with the Business Leadership Award at the Civic Champion Dinner hosted by the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network and Mormon Women for…
On the eve of the Trump administration’s 100-day mark, a new poll from the Leadership Now Project and The Harris Poll reveals mounting concern among U.S. business leaders—regardless of political affiliation—about the country’s global competitiveness.
Leadership Now Project’s Survey Finds 84% of Business Leaders Worried About Political and Legal Climate’s Effect on Their Companies Washington, D.C., – On the eve of the Trump administration’s 100-day mark, a new poll from Leadership Now Project and The…
Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares joined The Contrarian podcast with Washington Post columnist Jen Rubin for a powerful conversation on how political instability, attacks on institutions, and erosion of the rule of law are creating serious risks for the American…
On February 13, Leadership Now Arizona co-hosted a public town hall, bringing together nearly 100 voters and community leaders. The event featured a fireside chat with John Fees, Founding Member of Leadership Now Arizona, and Elizabeth Neumann, former Assistant Secretary…
As we reflect on an extraordinarily consequential political year, Leadership Now members played a unique and visible role in shaping key 2024 milestones.
As we reflect on an extraordinarily consequential political year, Leadership Now members played a unique and visible role in shaping key 2024 milestones. Members influenced actions by Congress, the president, their business networks, and broader public audiences, while investing over…
Leadership Now Project has endorsed Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler for Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 – Today, Leadership Now Project has endorsed Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler for Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The DNC Chair will be elected on February 1, 2025, by the 441-member Democratic National…
Leadership Now Project is a 2024 Anthem Award recipient for “Protecting Majority Rule in Ohio and Supporting Wisconsin Election Administrators.”
We are proud to announce Leadership Now Project is a 2024 Anthem Award recipient for “Protecting Majority Rule in Ohio and Supporting Wisconsin Election Administrators.” The award recognizes our work in Ohio and Wisconsin to ensure that elections reflect the…
On election day, a cross-partisan group of over 65 business and community leaders across Arizona released a statement calling on all Arizonans to uphold election safety, factual integrity, and peaceful transition of power during the 2024 election. Statement by Business…
On October 25, 2024, Leadership Now Project released a memo describing findings from electorate surveying and modeling it conducted in partnership with Applecart in four key NY congressional districts. The effort surveyed thousands of female voters in two districts on Long Island (NY-01 and NY
Update (February 7, 2025) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s top elections official, can continue serving in her role—blocking attempts by lawmakers to remove her.
On August 15, 2024, Leadership Now Arizona asked U.S. Senate candidates Kari Lake and Congressman Ruben Gallego to sign a pledge supporting free and fair elections, based on six key principles. Congressman Ruben Gallego promptly responded, “As a Marine combat…
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – Following events at the political rally for former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Leadership Now Project issued the following statement: “Violence has no place in our political process. We unequivocally condemn yesterday’s attack against former President Trump and
As Arizona business leaders, we support election officials against rising threats, emphasizing democracy’s role in the state’s economy. We commit to protecting election integrity and fighting election denialism while helping to address challenges such as election official turnover. View the…
Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares joined a panel at the 2024 Milken Global Conference to discuss capitalism’s role in safeguarding democracy. The panelists concluded that democracy and capitalism, at their best, make each other stronger. However, our failure to fully optimize these systems ha
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2024 Business Leaders Emphasize Democracy as Key to Economic Resilience WASHINGTON – Last week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen gave a speech in Arizona, accompanied by a piece in USA Today emphasizing the
Washington, D.C , April 9, 2024, — Leadership Now Project, with the support of pro bono counsel Covington & Burling, has filed an amicus brief in Donald J. Trump v. United States of America. The brief makes the business case for why former President Trump must not be granted immun
As we usher in an extraordinarily consequential political year, it is a moment to reflect on the impact and lessons learned of Leadership Now’s efforts in 2023. Throughout the year, Leadership Now and its members worked on targeted state and national efforts to protect American democracy. See below
On July 11, the States United Democracy Center and the Brookings Institution published a new report by Princeton Professor Layna Mosley, cautioning that the erosion of democratic practices and norms in the United States poses risks for investors. The report provides a range of tools for instit
JUST Capital, the platform for measuring corporate performance in the stakeholder economy, featured Business & Democracy Initiative founding partners Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO & Co-Founder of the Leadership Now Project, and Rhett Buttle, Founder & Principal of Public P
The much-anticipated 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer was recently released and, once again, the results show a tremendous opportunity for business leaders. The Barometer For the past 23 years, Edelman has used the survey to study people’s trust — “ the ultimate currency ” — of institutions, in
The much-anticipated 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer was recently released and, once again, the results show a tremendous opportunity for business leaders. The Barometer For the past 23 years, Edelman has used the survey to study people’s trust — “the ultimate…
Defenders of democracy are often unsung heroes, but every so often their deeds are so significant that they cannot go unrecognized. We were delighted to see one such hero recently receive national recognition for his commitment to protecting our democracy. This week, Former Philadelphia City Electio
Defenders of democracy are often unsung heroes, but every so often their deeds are so significant that they cannot go unrecognized. We were delighted to see one such hero recently receive national recognition for his commitment to protecting our democracy….
2022 Year in Review
Tufts University Associate Professor of Political Science and Leadership Now member Dr. Eitan Hersh recently released findings from a new survey funded by Leadership Now that examines the changing partisan landscape of the business community and business leaders’ attitudes toward political engagemen
Do the election results indicate we are at an inflection point? The events of the last few weeks – the midterm rejection of election denial, the repudiation of Trump jumping back in the ring, Musk’s self-inflicted Twitter wounds, and the implosion of Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto empire – suggest that
With voter turnout in the 2022 midterm elections at the second highest level in more than 40 years, many businesses are seizing the opportunity to engage stakeholders and tie their brand to civic engagement.
Leading up to the midterm election, we’ve worked with our network of business, academic and civic leaders to create a state-level Democracy Report Card . Specifically, our research team assigned a letter grade to each state based on its democratic performance across three critical categories: vo
From dark money to stakeholder capitalism, business leaders today are expected to know the terms and concepts being used in the civic space. Yet, when is the last time you learned about the difference between representative democracy and inclusive democracy? Probably a high school civics class, if y
In April, Kevin Brennan, co-head of the Investment Engine and Director of Investment Systems at Bridgewater Associates, and Paige Warren, a longtime finance executive and current senior fellow at the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University, co-authored a memo outlining how ESG—a field t
Read expert perspectives on the impact of Musk’s recent Twitter takeover on democracy and free speech.
Leadership Now Members Share Opinions on Twitter Purchase With the news that Elon Musk will purchase and privatize Twitter, there is widespread speculation about its impact on free speech and democracy. Will Musk’s track record of tech innovation create a…
Sign up for Leadership Now’s Democracy + Business Update—rapid response, analysis, and member perspectives delivered to your inbox. Privacy Policy