Our team

We work where political communications, policy advocacy, and opinion research meet. Between us we've advised senior policymakers and global organizations, shaped policy outcomes around the world, and deployed tools to measure public opinion at scale.

Team

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  Caroline Behringer

  Founder, President

  Caroline is a communications strategist with 15+ years of experience advising political, nonprofit, and business leaders on the messages that shape public opinion and drive change. Prior to founding Athena Insights, Caroline served as a senior advisor and spokesperson for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Obamaʼs reelection campaign, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as global nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies. Caroline has first-hand experience driving messaging efforts for major policy fights, including the Affordable Care Act, the January 6th Committee, and President Obamaʼs Climate Action Plan.

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  Colin Bortner

  Research Lead

  Colin has more than 15 years of experience helping global technology companies, nonprofits, and campaigns win policy reforms. As Netflix's second public policy hire, he spearheaded policy campaigns for the company's international expansions and later led the public policy team for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In those roles, Colin shaped rules on net neutrality, competition, copyright, privacy, and cultural policy in countries around the world. More recently has advised the world's leading tech companies and policy thinkers on competition, copyright, and AI policy.

Board of directors

Athena Insights is governed by a Board of Directors, which oversees the organization's charitable purpose and compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.

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  Caroline Behringer ↗

  President

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  Colin Bortner ↗

  Secretary

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  Al Thomson ↗

  Treasurer

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  Eric Asche ↗

  Board member

No members of the board are compensated for their service, through salary or other financial benefits.