Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

Arlene
Corbin
Lewis

Trusted Senior Advisor & Strategic Communications Leader

Twenty years of turning complex narratives into movements — for organizations, for missions, for the people who need to be heard.

"

Transforming complex narratives into communications that move people and advance missions.

— Arlene Corbin Lewis
About

The Work Behind
the Reputation

I am a communications and marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading integrated strategy for mission-driven organizations at the national level. My work sits at the intersection of narrative, brand, and influence — translating what organizations stand for into communications that actually move people.

I have built and scaled high-performing teams, managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, and directed brand strategy through the kinds of moments that test what an organization truly believes: presidential transitions, crisis situations, and high-stakes partnerships with the White House and U.S. Treasury.

What I bring to every room is the ability to see the full picture — strategy, story, and the human truth underneath both. I am a trusted senior advisor, and I am open to C-suite, board, and advisory roles across nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors.

Currently Open To
C-Suite Roles Board Service Advisory Roles Nonprofit Corporate Public Sector
20+
Years of Executive-Level Experience
$3M+
Annual Budget Under Management
10+
Professionals Led at Code for America
5
National Organizations Served in Leadership Positions
Core Expertise

What I Bring
to the Table

Integrated Marketing Strategy Brand Management Reputation Management Crisis Communications Executive Communications Stakeholder Engagement Thought Leadership Media Relations Digital & Social Strategy Content Strategy Team Building & Leadership Budget Management Change Management Narrative Development Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Career Highlights

Where I've Led

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer
Code for America
October 2020 — Present · Oakland, CA

Led integrated communications and marketing strategy for the country's leading civic technology nonprofit — managing a team of 10+ and a $3M+ annual budget. Directed high-profile national initiatives in partnership with the White House and U.S. Treasury, establishing Code for America as the nation's leading voice in civic technology and government innovation. Secured dozens of placements in major national media outlets, significantly elevating organizational brand authority.

↑ White House & U.S. Treasury Partnerships
Director of Communications
Demos
September 2017 — October 2020 · Washington, DC

Built the communications function from the ground up, growing a team of six and managing a $500K annual budget. Served as senior strategic advisor on messaging and media engagement — guiding organizational voice through a presidential transition, litigation, and multiple high-stakes crisis situations. Shaped the public narrative of a nationally recognized progressive policy and democracy organization at one of its most consequential moments.

↑ Built Communications Function from Zero
Vice President of Communications
Case Foundation
February 2016 — January 2017 · Washington, DC

Directed integrated communications strategy encompassing media relations, digital strategy, and executive thought leadership. Launched the national #FacesofFounders campaign — amplifying diverse entrepreneurship narratives and securing high-profile speaking platforms for senior leadership at one of the country's most prominent philanthropic organizations.

↑ #FacesofFounders National Campaign
Director of Strategic Communications
Urban Institute
March 2013 — February 2016 · Washington, DC

Led an organization-wide brand revitalization initiative and directed media strategy for research publications and digital products at one of the nation's foremost nonpartisan research organizations. Served on the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee, the Operational Excellence Committee, and the Training Committee — shaping culture alongside strategy.

↑ Organization-Wide Brand Revitalization
Earlier Career

The Foundation

Habitat for Humanity International
Associate Director, Government Relations & Advocacy Communications · 2007–2013
Equal Rights Center
Communications & Outreach Manager · 2005–2007
Fair Housing Council of Central New York
Outreach & PR Specialist · 2004–2005
Cohn & Wolfe Global Communications
Account Coordinator · Toronto, 2002
FleishmanHillard Public Relations
Internship · Toronto & New York, 2000–2001
United Nations
Internship · New York, 2000–2001
Education & Service

Credentials & Commitments

Education
M.A., Mass Communications & Public Relations
Iona University, New Rochelle, NY · Honors
B.A., Communication Studies
University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada · Honors
B.A., Political Science
Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Service
Commissioner, Glenarden Housing Authority
Governance, policy oversight & strategic direction · Appointed
DEI Committee Executive Sponsor
Code for America
Management Committee Member
Union Contract Negotiations · Code for America
Affiliations & Certifications
Certified Business Coach
MindValley · August 2024
Public Relations Society of America
Member
American Marketing Association
Member
International Association of Business Communicators
Member
Let's Connect

Let's talk about
what's possible.

Open to C-suite opportunities, board service, and advisory roles.