Harvard’s Institute of Politics (IOP), at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, today announced the selection of the 2015 IOP Spring Resident Fellows.  The IOP was established in 1966 as a memorial to President Kennedy and aims to inspire, motivate and encourage undergraduates to consider careers in politics and public service. 

“The Institute’s Spring Fellows represent the strong impact dedicated practitioners can have throughout politics and public service,” said Harvard Institute of Politics Director Maggie Williams.  “We look forward to welcoming this accomplished group and are confident they will guide and support our students as they explore the many avenues to political engagement and public service.”

Over the course of an academic semester, Resident Fellows interact with students; develop and lead weekly study groups; and are afforded many opportunities to participate in the intellectual life of the Harvard community.

The 2015 Fellows roster reflects expertise in law enforcement and legal affairs, political communications, campaign and digital strategy, journalism and political leadership in state, local and federal government.

The following Resident Fellows will join the Institute for the spring semester:

Martha Coakley

Martha Coakley, Massachusetts attorney general (2007-15) and Middlesex County district attorney (1999-2007)

Follow Martha Coakley on Twitter @marthacoakley.

Kay Hagan

Kay Hagan, U.S. Senator (2009-14; D-NC) and North Carolina State Senator (1999-2008)

Follow Kay Hagan on Twitter @kayhagan.

Matt Lira

Matt Lira, deputy executive director, National Republican Senatorial Committee (2013-14); senior advisor, Office of U.S. House majority leader Eric Cantor (R-VA; 2011–Aug. 2012 and Nov. 2012–Mar. 2013); digital director for Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan (R-WI), Romney for President (Aug. 2012–Nov. 2012)

Follow Matt Lira on Twitter @MattLira.

Jay Newton-Small

Jay Newton-Small, Washington correspondent, TIME (2007-present); government reporter, Bloomberg News (2003-07)

Follow Jay Newton-Small on Twitter @JNSmall.

Christine Quinn

• Christine Quinn, member (1999-2013) and speaker (2006-13), New York City Council

Follow Christine Quinn on Twitter @chriscquinn.

Bassem Youssef

Bassem Youssef, political satirist, former host of the television program “Al-Bernameg” (The Program) in Egypt and one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world (2013)

Follow Bassem Youssef on Twitter @DrBassemYoussef