WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Foundation for Public Affairs, the charitable affiliate of the Public Affairs Council, has named Makini Nyanteh, senior vice president and chief communications officer at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), as its inaugural chair and Isaac Reyes, senior vice president of government affairs at Target Corporation, as its inaugural vice chair.

Established in 1964, the Foundation for Public Affairs is a 501(c)(3) organization that strengthens the public affairs profession through workforce development. Previously overseen by the Public Affairs Council’s Executive Committee, the Foundation now has its own board for the first time, led by Chair Nyanteh and Vice Chair Reyes and made up of Council leaders and independent trustees. The Foundation remains a Council affiliate. The new structure provides more focused leadership as the Foundation expands its initiatives, including the flagship Foundation Fellows program and planned mentoring opportunities.

Nyanteh previously served as a vice chair of the Public Affairs Council (2024-2026) and chaired the Foundation Task Force, which helped define the Foundation’s future direction. She has more than 25 years of communications leadership experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. At AIR, she leads communications strategy, brand development, public affairs and digital media.

Reyes also previously served as a vice chair of the Public Affairs Council (2024-2026). At Target, he oversees public policy engagement, reputation and crisis management. He has more than 20 years of government and public affairs experience, including leadership roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and in Congress.

“Makini and Isaac bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to the public affairs profession and a shared vision for the Foundation’s future,” said Nneka Chiazor, president and CEO of the Public Affairs Council. “Their leadership will be invaluable as we build on the success of Foundation Fellows, expand mentorship opportunities and invest in the next generation of public affairs professionals.”

About the Foundation for Public Affairs

The Foundation for Public Affairs is a 501(c)(3) organization that invests in the future of the profession through workforce development initiatives to strengthen the field of public affairs. Learn more at pac.org/foundation.

About the Public Affairs Council

Both nonpartisan and nonpolitical, the Public Affairs Council is the leading global association for public affairs professionals. The Council’s mission is to advance the field of public affairs and to provide its more than 600 member companies, nonprofits and universities with the executive education and expertise they need while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Learn more at pac.org.