Cori Kramer

Cori Kramer is a centrist leader and political strategist with more than two decades of experience working at the intersection of public policy, politics, and bipartisan problem-solving. As Chief Executive Officer of Center Forward, she leads the organization’s work to bring policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders together to foster constructive dialogue, strengthen relationships across the political spectrum, and advance practical approaches to the challenges facing the country. Before joining Center Forward, Cori spent more than a decade on Capitol Hill, serving as Chief of Staff to two prominent congressional pragmatists, Representatives Mike Ross of Arkansas and Brad Ellsworth of Indiana. In those roles, she worked on a wide range of consequential policy issues, including tax, health care, financial services, trade, and manufacturing, while helping navigate an increasingly complex and polarized political environment. Cori also brings extensive campaign experience from some of the country’s most competitive political battlegrounds. She managed Congressman Mike Ross’s successful re-election campaign in a challenging political environment, as well as the re-election campaign of Congressman Charlie Stenholm and Congressman Brad Ellsworth’s campaign for the U.S. Senate. Those experiences shaped her belief that durable progress comes from understanding voters, building relationships, finding common ground, and focusing on practical solutions rather than partisan labels. Throughout her career, Cori has been committed to strengthening civic leadership and creating opportunities for others to lead. She is a member of Women for Economic and Leadership Development and serves as a mentor and member of How Women Lead. Cori received her Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes College in 1999. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Ted, and their sons, Jack and Ben.