The University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement (CDCE) is pleased to share that Sam Novey, a Baltimore-based civic leader who joined CDCE as a consulting community scholar in 2021, will now act as CDCE’s Chief Strategist.
Novey brings to this position an extensive track record of convening scholars, philanthropic partners, and community-based organizations at the local and national levels to develop new research and translate that research into useful working knowledge for community-based organizations. With Novey as Chief Strategist, this network will become available to all CDCE affiliated faculty, students, and fellows.
“I’ve never met anyone with the enthusiasm, expertise, and creativity that Sam has,” said Mike Hanmer, CDCE Director and Professor in the Department of Government and Politics (GVPT). “He thinks about the big picture and takes on big projects, but has the discipline to do the little things that make a difference for building relationships and completing projects that have an impact. I could not be happier that Sam will be in this new role. He has already made important contributions to major projects and developed an extensive network across UMD. The unique combination of knowledge across research, philanthropy, and the practice of politics will make him an invaluable resource for the UMD community.”
Will Reed, former GVPT Chair and current Assistant Provost for Academic Planning, said, "Collaborating with Sam at the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement has been a game-changer. Sam’s expertise in building diverse coalitions and convening grassroots leaders, funders, policymakers, and scholars has revolutionized the Center's efforts to achieve full participation in democratic elections. It's been an honor to work alongside Sam, a true social entrepreneur, as we create a future where every voice is heard, and every citizen is empowered."
Novey is the co-founder and an Executive Committee member of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition, the national hub and largest non-partisan network in the country dedicated to increasing student voter participation. He is also a co-founder of the Baltimore Votes Coalition, which convenes community-based organizations in Baltimore City to promote full participation in elections. Novey has also worked on the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Party at the Mailbox, Maryland Civics Education Coalition, and the Ask Every Student initiative. He also serves on the Baltimore City Board of Elections and the Baltimore City Fair Election Fund Commission
