Svante Myrick

Svante Myrick, ’09, is the Current President and CEO of People for the American Way and the former Mayor of Ithaca, New York.

He is a dedicated advocate who, at just 24, became the youngest mayor of Ithaca in New York State history. His world-leading public policy solutions on housing, public safety, and the environment quickly became emulated by other cities and garnered him national acclaim. Now, Svante leads one of the nation’s most influential progressive advocacy organizations, championing freedom, justice, and democracy. Under his leadership, the team has taken on book banners and won, supported progressive candidates who won, and rallied for a record number of remarkable judicial nominees who now sit on federal benches making decisions for the public interest.

Recently, Myrick has spearheaded the launch of “Resist Project 2025,” a roadmap for immediate resistance to an incoming Trump administration and for a strong pro-democracy movement for freedom and justice. The plan calls for assembling a unique coalition of young progressive officials, faith leaders, and artists to take prominent roles in resistance and reform.

Myrick previously served as director of People For’s youth leadership programs. He is a recipient of the John F. Kennedy Frontier Award and People For the American Way Barbara Jordan Leadership Award, and was named by Rolling Stone as a “Hot Do-Gooder” “public servant to watch,” and in Forbes Magazine’s “30 under 30.” Myrick is a frequent contributor and guest for local and national TV, radio, and print outlets, including The Hill, MSNBC, CNN, USA Today, The Boston Globe, The New York Times , and more.