Joint Center Welcomes New Vice President of Research and Programs 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2026
Contact: Kennedy Fortner, kennedy.fortner@jointcenter.org

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is proud to announce the addition of Steve Hawkins as the Vice President of Research and Programs to the Joint Center team.

“With the addition of Steve Hawkins and the growth of our senior leadership team, the Joint Center continues to build upon our legacy of being ‘America’s Black think tank,’” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad. “Steve brings 30 years of deep leadership experience in civil and human rights, policy reform, and philanthropy as former Executive Vice President for the NAACP and Executive Director for Amnesty International USA. We are thrilled to have a leader like Steve on our leadership team to help guide our fundraising efforts, expand our capacity to enhance research areas, and build the infrastructure that allows us to better position ourselves to help Black Americans.”

“I am honored to continue my journey of advancing equity and opportunities for Black communities at America’s Black think tank. Drawing on my experience overseeing programs in health, education, environment, economics, and criminal justice at the NAACP, I look forward to guiding the research and programs team in expanding our impact and deepening the partnerships that support the Joint Center’s work. I am grateful to have the opportunity to utilize my leadership skills to enhance the Joint Center’s mission and vision and drive solutions that create lasting change,” said Steve Hawkins, Joint Center Vice President of Research and Programs.

The decision to add this leadership position is part of the Joint Center’s strategic plan to position the think tank as the primary resource on emerging issues that are critical to Black communities.

Learn more about Steve Hawkins here.

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