WASHINGTON—PRRI is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Carolyn Davis as Director of Strategic Development, effective March 15. Before joining PRRI, Dr. Davis led the Center for Public Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary as Deputy Director and served as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress.

“I am so excited to be joining PRRI at such a critical moment for American democracy,” said Davis. “PRRI’s work to map and understand the implications of demographic and cultural change have never been more important, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help expand PRRI’s reach.”

In her new position, Dr. Davis will be responsible for increasing resources for PRRI’s work and expanding PRRI’s ability to fulfill its mission to help journalists, scholars, policy makers, thought leaders, clergy, and the public better understand how shifting cultural and religious dynamics shape American society and politics.

“Dr. Davis brings broad expertise to PRRI—a strong academic background in religion and politics, practical experience in church ministry and theological education, and a savvy understanding of nonprofit organizational development,” noted Robert P. Jones, CEO of PRRI. “We’re thrilled to have her join the strong PRRI team.”

Davis holds a Ph.D. in religion from Vanderbilt University, where she was a Fellow in the Program for Theology and Practice. She also holds a M.Div. from Emory University and bachelor’s degrees in political science, Spanish, and Latin American Studies from Southern Methodist University. Her areas of expertise include the public impact of religion in the U.S., gender and sexuality, and religious liberty. Dr. Davis’ work has appeared in a variety of outlets such as The Washington Post, Newsweek, The Huffington Post, and Religion Dispatches.

PRRI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and public policy.