Lauren Sarkesian

Lauren Sarkesian (@SarkBites) is a senior policy counsel at New America’s Open Technology Institute (OTI), focusing on government surveillance and privacy issues. OTI is a research and advocacy organization working at the intersection of technology and policy to ensure that every community has equitable access to digital technology and its benefits. Before joining OTI, Ms. Sarkesian served for over six years in legislative roles within the White House, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. Most recently, Ms. Sarkesian was counsel to Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), handling technology, judiciary, national security, and government oversight issues. Previously, Ms. Sarkesian served in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, where she worked to advance President Obama’s nominees and legislative priorities in the Senate, including criminal justice reform legislation. Ms. Sarkesian holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.