Caryn Seligman

Caryn Seligman serves as Senior Director of the Foundation for Public Affairs, the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Public Affairs Council. In this role, she advances workforce development initiatives that strengthen and diversify the public affairs profession. Since stepping into the position in 2026, she has led the Foundation’s strategy, fundraising, programs, and operations—building partnerships that invest in the next generation of leaders.

Caryn brings extensive leadership experience from her career at the Public Affairs Council, including service on the senior leadership team. She most recently led recruitment, engagement, and retention efforts and has overseen executive education programming, enterprise-wide strategic planning, website redevelopment, and the launch of new products and services. She has advised hundreds of corporations and associations on political engagement, public affairs best practices, and career development. A highly rated speaker, she presents on trends shaping the profession.

Earlier in her career, Caryn coordinated educational programs for state affiliates at the national office of the American Diabetes Association and served as Northern Virginia area director for an international leadership development organization for teenagers—early roles that reflect her longstanding commitment to developing future leaders.

An engaged civic leader, Caryn has served as president or in other leadership roles with several education and community organizations, including Richard Montgomery High School International Baccalaureate Magnet Foundation, Wyngate Elementary School PTA, Tufts University Alumni Association, Temple Sinai Parents Association, and URJ Camp Harlam. A devoted Girl Scout Troop Cookie Manager (#TeamThinMints), she believes leadership skills often begin at a cookie booth and translate seamlessly into boardrooms and beyond. She also volunteers with the Greater D.C. Diaper Bank and A Wider Circle.

Caryn earned her B.A., magna cum laude, in social psychology and Spanish from Tufts University. She lives in the greater Washington, D.C., area with her husband, two teenage daughters, and an adorable goldendoodle who firmly believes he is in charge.