Chicago, IL — The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy announced the appointment of Sonal Ramesh Shah as a Senior Practitioner Fellow at the University’s Center for Effective Government.
A Houston native, Shah is a nationally recognized economist, public policy expert, nonprofit leader, and former professor at Georgetown University. Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked at the forefront of government innovation, civic engagement, technology policy, and social impact initiatives.
In her role as Senior Practitioner Fellow, Shah will contribute research, policy analysis, and strategic leadership focused on strengthening the intersection of technology, data, governance, and public policy to improve government effectiveness and civic outcomes.
Shah is also a proud alumna of the University of Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Her appointment reflects the university’s continued commitment to engaging accomplished leaders whose careers bridge academic scholarship and public service.
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Most recently, Shah served as Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Tribune, the nonprofit news organization focused on politics and public policy in Texas, from January 2023 through December 2025. During the 2020 presidential election cycle, she also served as National Policy Director for Pete Buttigieg.
From 2009 to 2011, Shah served in the Obama administration as Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation, where she led national initiatives designed to strengthen partnerships among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector. Earlier, she served on President Barack Obama’s presidential transition team and led Global Development Initiatives for Google.org.
Shah was also the founding executive director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact & Innovation, where she helped establish one of the nation’s leading centers focused on public sector innovation, civic technology, and social impact.
Through her fellowship at the Center for Effective Government, Shah will collaborate with scholars, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to explore innovative approaches to governance, public sector transformation, and civic engagement in an increasingly technology-driven society.
Additional information regarding Shah’s research and initiatives is available through the Center for Effective Government portal.