WASHINGTON — The Open Markets Institute is proud to announce the addition of two new members to its board of directors, Christy Hoffman and Laura Quinn, who will help lead the organization in the fight to protect democracy in America and around the world from dangerous concentrations of power and control.

Open Markets Executive Director Barry Lynn made the following statement: “We are thrilled to have these two powerful leaders join our board of directors. Christy is one of the true leaders in the international fight against the concentrations of power and wealth that threaten our economic well-being and our personal liberties. Laura has pioneered efforts to protect our democracy from disinformation and propaganda and to ensure that all citizens have an equal right to speak their minds and make their case. Christy and Laura’s vision and wisdom will be invaluable to the Open Markets mission. We are deeply honored to have them join our team."

Christy Hoffman made this statement: “The unprecedented concentration of corporate power has weakened workers’ voices in our economies, in our societies, and in our governments. As a result, we are experiencing unparalleled inequality and grave threats to our social stability. OMI is the leader in the field when it comes to top thinking and strategies that challenge the 21st century’s monopolies. I am very pleased to join the team.”

Laura Quinn made this statement: “Freedom to communicate is the foundation of our democracy. Unfortunately, that freedom is now imperiled by the monopolization of our online communications platforms. The Open Markets team was the first to recognize this problem, and their thinking and work have shaped the response both in the United States and Europe. I look forward to working with Open Markets to fix this threat and renew our democracy.”

Biographies

CHRISTY HOFFMAN is the General Secretary of UNI Global Union, the global federation of unions for service workers, which represents 20 million members in 150 countries. Christy began her labor career on the shop floor of the Pratt & Whitney jet engine factory in Connecticut, where she was elected chief steward of the 2,000-person facility. Christy later served as legal counsel to leading U.S. unions, spanning sectors including coal miners, delivery drivers, security guards, and health care professionals. Under her leadership, UNI has called for a just transition for workers in connection with both technology and climate disruption and has been outspoken in its demand that governments must stop the increasing concentration of power among digital monopolies. In 2013, Christy was an architect of the groundbreaking Bangladesh Accord for Building and Fire Safety, weeks after 1,137 Bangladeshis lost their lives in the worst industrial catastrophe in modern times. Christy has a law degree with honors from New York University (Order of the Coif), and a BA (Hons) degree from Smith College.  

LAURA QUINN serves as President and Chief Innovation Officer of Catalist, which promotes voter outreach and education. Before co-founding Catalist, Laura served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Vice President Al Gore; Executive Director of the U.S. Senate Democratic Technology and Communications Committee for Majority Leader Tom Daschle; and in senior communications and economic policy positions for senators Jay Rockefeller, Carl Levin, and Joe Biden. Quinn has held senior management roles on five national presidential campaigns and has held senior management, board, and consulting positions for national and statewide political and advocacy campaigns and nonprofits. Laura has been a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School, the Ash Center for Governance and Innovation, and the Shorenstein Center for Media, Politics and Public Policy. 

See also: 

Open Markets Announces New Advisory Board to Help Guide Fight Against Monopoly