Me: Versatile policy professional with experience in program management, research, and communications. Skilled at engaging with varied stakeholders and translating complex issues into compelling narratives for a variety of audiences. Experience across nonprofit, public, and academic sectors.
I’m currently a Program Manager at the Center of Health Innovation, launched in 2018 by the American Hospital Association (AHA). The Center helps hospitals and their communities drive high-impact innovation and transformation with market intelligence, key insights, targeted education, actionable data, and tools that address their unique context on their journey to advance health.
At the Center, I manage programs in population health, with a particular focus on initiatives that align the efforts of hospitals, local governments, and community organizations to better enhance the health and well-being of the people they serve.
I formerly served as a Program Advisor for the Civic Analytics Network, a Harvard- administered association of government data leaders from across the country. I also wrote for Harvard’s DataSmart Cities, an online forum that explores the intersection of urbanism and technology.
I worked with the City of Chicago and other local partners to research, write, and communicate how the city is harnessing data and technology to improve processes, enhance civic engagement, and make life better for residents.
As a writer, I have published more than forty articles and have contributed to two books. These works have been republished or cited by numerous sources, including Fortune Magazine, Brookings Institution, and the World Bank, and have lead to content coverage by The Atlantic, National Geographic, and PBS NewsHour.
I have also served as an independent research consultant, authoring comprehensive white papers for two major Chicago nonprofits. I hold Masters degrees from the University of Chicago in Public Policy and Nonprofit Management, and a BA from DePaul University.
As a native Chicagoan, I’m also passionate about supporting the city and its people, and am always happy to connect with others in this space.
Sean Thornton 