The Policy Circle, a national nonprofit organization that informs, equips, and connects women to be more impactful citizens and influential local leaders, has announced Rebecca Painter as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Her appointment was shared with members, supporters, and partners during The Policy Circle’s Leadership Summit and 10-Year Celebration on Friday, October 24, in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I am thrilled to welcome Rebecca Painter as the next CEO of The Policy Circle. Rebecca brings a proven record of scaling organizations and growing strong, mission-driven teams,” said Sylvie Légère, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board, The Policy Circle. “Her experience, vision, and passion for developing women as civic leaders make her the perfect leader to guide The Policy Circle into its next decade of growth and impact.”
Painter joins The Policy Circle after 15 years of service with the State Policy Network (SPN) and the South Carolina Policy Council. In her decade-long tenure at SPN, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President, Painter built durable coalitions, strengthened both SPN and state-based partners, and created an engine that has fueled sustainable organizational support. Painter’s experience aligns with The Policy Circle’s strategy to expand programs, deepen impact at the state and local level, and scale a national community of civic leaders.
“The most impactful change begins in our own communities. The Policy Circle is equipping the women who will drive that change,” said Rebecca Painter, incoming CEO of The Policy Circle. “I am excited to join this talented team and help prepare the next wave of civic leaders ready to make a difference.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the amazing staff, donors, and affiliates of the State Policy Network,” said Painter. “My time at SPN has strengthened my resolve that policy solutions are best found at the state and local level. I look forward to leading an organization that will advance policies rooted in personal and economic freedom by helping women become more effective civic leaders.”
Painter will officially begin her role in January 2026. Until then, she will continue to support the State Policy Network’s CEO and President, Chris Dauer, and will work with The Policy Circle Board and leadership team on transition planning and 2026 priorities.
Painter was selected following a nationwide search by The Policy Circle’s Board, with support from Andrea McDaniel Smith, a partner at CarterBaldwin Executive Search.
ABOUT REBECCA PAINTER
Rebecca is a visionary nonprofit executive recognized for uniting diverse stakeholders, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable results while preserving mission integrity. At State Policy Network she oversaw strategic partnerships, development, communications, and donor engagement. Earlier in her career, she served as Vice President of Development at the South Carolina Policy Council, where she led a significant shift to individual philanthropy and grew the donor base. She also held advancement roles at Norwich University. Rebecca holds a B.A. in Public Relations with a minor in French from the University of South Carolina. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Mason Foundation, which ensures that every child in South Carolina who wants to play sports can. Rebecca lives with her husband, Keith, and their son, Everett.
ABOUT THE POLICY CIRCLE
The Policy Circle has equipped more than 15,000 women with the clarity and confidence to become more impactful citizens and local civic leaders. By leveraging insightful, fact-based materials, open dialogue, and action-oriented programming, The Policy Circle provides the tools and networks for women to lead community change rooted in economic and personal freedom. The Policy Circle is a launchpad for women who want more than a voice in the room, they want a seat at the table. Learn more at www.thepolicycircle.org.
