Makini Nyanteh

For more than 25 years, Makini Nyanteh has been a communications leader in the public and private sectors, working with internationally prominent brands in a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, utilities, consumer goods, consumer packaging, financial services, and the federal government. She is an innate strategist well versed in senior executive consultation, change management, issues and crisis management, media relations, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion communications.  She is an experienced leader of people and teams, and often provides counsel on leadership development.

Makini currently serves as the senior vice president and Chief Communications Officer at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), one of the world's largest behavioral and social science research, evaluation, and technical assistance organizations. In this role, she is accountable for telling the AIR story as it advances its mission to contribute to a better, more equitable world. She leads the efforts to promote and enhance the organization's reputation and is the chief architect of the AIR brand and content strategy. Makini leads the communications and public affairs team which handles digital media, public policy, government outreach, strategic and executive communications, charitable giving, publications, and marketing communications