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Shannon Felton Spence

Director of Global Communications and Strategy

Shannon Felton Spence is the Director of Global Communications and Strategy at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School. As a member of the Belfer Center’s leadership team, she oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes media relations and public affairs, congressional relations, design and multimedia, research translation, editorial and production, and brand communications, including internal and executive communications. Working closely with Belfer Center's director, Meghan O’Sullivan, Spence drives strategies that amplify the Center’s research and policy solutions, ensuring they reach policymakers, global influencers, and the public.

Spence has built a distinguished career in strategic communications and external affairs, partnering with leading figures and institutions across government, academia, and the private sector. She previously led the brand creation and launch of Opportunity Insights, working closely with economist Raj Chetty to shape and scale the organization’s communications strategy—translating cutting-edge research into actionable narratives for policymakers and changing the way social science is covered in the media through close collaboration with journalists and high-impact national coverage. At Microsoft, she advanced external engagement and corporate reputation by forging partnerships with cities, local institutions, and innovation networks. Earlier in her career, she managed high-profile diplomatic and political engagements for the British government, including visits by senior UK ministers and members of the Royal Family, and led UK outreach to the 2016 U.S. presidential primary campaigns.

Spence is a respected political commentator who regularly appears on national and international broadcast platforms. Her analysis on US politics and transatlantic relations leverages her extensive experience in diplomacy, strategy, and communications to inform global audiences.

Spence holds a Master of Public Affairs from Brown University and is a proud native of Colorado.