Phillip Lurie serves as program officer for Democracy around the Globe. In this role, he is deeply involved in designing and growing the foundation’s international focus area to counter the challenges facing democracies throughout the world. Along with the Democracy around the Globe team, Lurie works to raise awareness about emerging threats to democracy and to champion initiatives that advance more inclusive democratic values. The team works by partnering with individuals and organizations so that we can strengthen an international community of partners to promote and defend inclusive democracies around the globe. This includes attending and sponsoring conferences and events to further highlight democratic trends and lift up promising initiatives. Additionally, Lurie’s work includes establishing and fortifying connections among civil society actors and designing and coordinating a fellowship program.

Since joining Kettering in 1997, Lurie’s work has centered on research about the educational capacity of communities, the relationship between citizens and governmental agents and organizations, and the ways in which citizens face persistent problems in their communities. He has also led one of the foundation’s signature international initiatives in Israel, exploring how Israeli citizens, both Jews and Arabs, can convene around issues of universal interest to address conflict among social identity groups, which presents a fundamental threat to democracy.

Beyond his direct work, Lurie has played multiple roles at the foundation, ranging from chairing research workgroups to managing the foundation’s Washington, DC, office for over two decades. He has also contributed his expertise as an editor and writer for Kettering publications.

Lurie holds an EdD in educational administration and policy analysis, an MPP with a concentration in education, and a BA in international affairs, all from George Washington University.