Lorelei Kelly

Lorelei is a leading expert on the U.S. Congress, democracy innovation, and civic technology. With deep experience in public policy, national security, and participatory governance, she has spent over two decades advocating for a more informed, responsive, and effective Congress.

Lorelei led the congressional modernization portfolio on the research faculty at Georgetown University since 2016, where she focused on tools and practices to better reflect the needs of a diverse and data-rich society. Her work centered on integrating local knowledge and technological innovation into federal decision-making, promoting transparency, equity, and collaboration in the legislative process.

Previously, Lorelei led the Smart Congress Project at the New America Foundation and has advised numerous lawmakers, think tanks, and civic organizations. A passionate communicator, Lorelei frequently writes and speaks on topics related to democratic reform, emerging technology, and the importance of robust legislative branch capacity in the modern world.

Lorelei’s articles have appeared in the Atlantic, The Conversation, TechCrunch, Tech Policy Press, The Hill, Roll Call, Christian Science Monitor, Reuters, Defense News, Huffingtonpost, Washington Post, Slate, Tech Policy Press and Boston Globe. She has also authored speeches, playbooks and research reports, and is the co-author of two books: “Policy Matters: Educating Congress on Peace and Security” and “A Woman’s Guide to Talking About War and Peace.”

Lorelei has a B.A. from Grinnell College, a Masters degree in Politics and Economics from Stanford University, and she attended the Air Command and Staff College, U.S. Air Force.