FDD NAMES BRANDY SHUFUTINSKY DIRECTOR OF NEW EDUCATION AND NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 2, 2025 — The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) has named Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky as the director and head of FDD’s new Education and National Security Program. FDD is a nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

FDD’s new program examines the threats and vulnerabilities within America’s education system, with a focus on authoritarian foreign influence. Through in-depth research and analysis, the program explores how foreign adversaries exploit U.S. educational institutions to promote anti-democratic and anti-American agendas — leveraging investments, partnerships, and curriculum infiltration at all levels of education.

Additionally, the program explores efforts by designated terrorist groups and non-state actors to influence American schools. By investigating and analyzing opaque funding sources, strategic investments, and ideological infiltration, FDD provides policymakers, educators, and the public with critical insights into the national security risks posed by foreign and radical actors.

Led by Director Brandy Shufutinsky, the program leverages FDD’s expertise in global geopolitics, network analysis, and forensic research to safeguard the integrity of American education.

“Dr. Shufutinsky is a nationally recognized expert and thought leader in the field of education. We are honored to have her leading FDD’s new program,” said FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer. “Brandy and her team will shape how the policy community, educators, and the private sector understand the growing set of national security issues impacting K-12.”

“I’m glad to join FDD to support the integrity of our education system by exploring how it is being influenced by national security threats,” said Shufutinsky. She previously served as the director of education and community engagement at the North American Values Institute (NAVI). She was also the co-founder of the Coalition for Empowered Education (CEE). As a licensed social worker, educator, and researcher, her earlier work has focused on intercultural learning and nonpartisan efforts to combat antisemitism and racial bigotry.

“The national security community must urgently wake up to the threat posed to our democracy by outside actors in our K–12 schools and universities,” said FDD CEO Mark Dubowitz. “Brandy brings the expertise and insight needed to help educators defend liberal democratic values. We’re proud to have her on the FDD team.”

Shufutinsky holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of San Francisco focused on international and multicultural Education. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California and her Master of Arts in international relations from the University of San Diego. In her previous academic work, Shufutinsky explored social initiatives and their effect on organizational development.

To contact FDD media relations, please email [email protected].

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan policy institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. Connect with FDD on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.