Recommended Reading
2023 Annual Report

American Compass is pleased to announce that Michael A. Needham has joined its team as chairman, strengthening the organization’s leadership at a vital moment. Needham, who has been instrumental in shaping Compass as a founding board member, will now take on an expanded role in policy development, government and external relations, and strategic planning.

“I’ve known Mike since his freshman year in college, when he was assigned to host me during my visit as a newly admitted student but neglected to appear even once during my time on campus. So perhaps I should say, ‘known of…’” said Oren Cass, American Compass founder and chief economist. “Notwithstanding that initial failure, he has proven himself in the intervening decades to be one of the conservative movement’s keenest policy minds and most effective coalition builders both in and out of government. American Compass has benefited enormously from his advice since we were just an idea on a piece of paper. I don’t think Washington is ready for how much more effective American Compass is about to become with the benefit of Mike’s work as our chairman.”

Needham brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He served for five years as chief of staff to Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), where he led the team that conceived, passed, and helped implement the Paycheck Protection Program at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative provided crucial support to an estimated 55 million jobs across the United States. He left Rubio’s office last summer to found America 2100, where he serves as executive director.

Prior to his work with Sen. Rubio, Needham founded and served as chief executive officer of Heritage Action for America. He also held positions at The Heritage Foundation, including chief of staff and director of the Asian Studies Center. Needham’s academic credentials include an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Williams College.

As chairman, Needham will work closely with the American Compass team to further develop and promote policy solutions that address the economic challenges facing American workers, families, and communities.

Recommended Reading
2023 Annual Report

We work from genuine conservative principles to address the real problems facing the nation and its citizens. We are proving that ideas matter, and the best ones can turn the political tide.