Centrist Policy Strategist & President of Third Way; Former HUD Chief of Staff

Washington, DC, USA
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Jonathan Cowan Biography

Jonathan Cowan is the president and co-founder of Third Way, a centrist think tank recognized for shaping center-left policy debates in the United States. Under his leadership, Third Way has received honors such as Prospect Magazine’s North American Think Tank of the Year and has been described by The Washington Post as a leading source of new ideas in public policy. Cowan’s expertise is regularly sought by major media outlets, and he is a frequent commentator on national policy and political strategy.

Cowan’s career spans more than 25 years at senior levels of politics and government. He previously served as chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Clinton administration, advising on policy and overseeing a major federal agency. Before his tenure at HUD, Cowan co-founded Lead…or Leave, a Generation X advocacy group, and later led Americans for Gun Safety, where his efforts contributed to changes in the national debate on firearm policy. He has also served as a visiting fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics.

Cowan is a public speaker and policy strategist known for distilling complex policy issues into actionable strategies. He has testified before presidential commissions, published in leading newspapers, and participated in public debates. Through his advocacy and leadership, Cowan has demonstrated a commitment to pragmatic solutions on issues ranging from economic opportunity to gun safety, contributing to the national conversation on public policy.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/17/2025.

Jonathan Cowan Videos

Jon Cowan at Milken Institute's Global Conference

Jon Cowan at Milken Institute's Global Conference

As TW President Jon Cowan said at the Milken Institute's Global Conference, "If Democrats’ recovery in 2028 depends on us having a very nuanced...

Winning Everywhere

Winning Everywhere

Third Way President Jon Cowan addresses Democratic leaders at Opportunity 2020: The Way to Win in Charleston, South Carolina, outlining why a...

The Opportunity Democrat

The Opportunity Democrat

Third Way President Jon Cowan presents at the Opportunity 2020 strategy sessions why progressives should become Opportunity Democrats. Cowan shows...

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  • What topics does Jonathan Cowan speak about?

    Jonathan Cowan is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Bipartisan, Civil Rights, Democrat, Executive Leadership, Generational Issues, Government, LGBTQ, Political, Social Activism, Social Justice, Youth
  • Where does Jonathan Cowan travel from?

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Jonathan Cowan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jonathan Cowan for your event is available upon request. Jonathan Cowan generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jackie Biskupski, Van Jones, Waikinya Clanton, Christine Walker, MPPA and Ritchie Torres. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jonathan Cowan for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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