Clea Conner

Clea Conner is the Chief Executive Officer of the Open to Debate Foundation, a non-partisan, non-profit media organization.12 Her mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to public discourse in America.2

Professional Background

Clea has an extensive background in producing debates and public policy programs:

• She has produced over 150 award-winning debates, with a focus on geopolitics and international affairs.1
• Conner has created an award-winning weekly radio program, podcast, and streaming platform for diverse perspectives on pressing foreign policy challenges.1
• She has developed television programs such as "Up For Debate" and "That's Debatable" for networks including Bloomberg, PBS, and Newsy.12

Achievements and Recognition

• Named one of Crain's New York "40 Under 40".12
• Produced the first debate between AI and a human debater in collaboration with IBM's Project Debater.12
• Holds more than two dozen awards for excellence in public affairs programming across radio, television, and podcasting.12

Education and Previous Experience

• Holds a B.A. from The New School with Dean's Honors.2
• Studied political science at American University.2
• Previously served as a Strategic Advisor to Eurasia Group's GZERO Media and other startups at the intersection of media and technology.1

Clea Conner's work at Open to Debate focuses on addressing the extreme polarization in America and fostering a more constructive public discourse through debates and various media platforms.2