Press Release
Published on September 15, 2014
New York City – Human Rights First announced today that Zach Silverstein, former President of the Brooklyn-based education technology company Amplify Insight, has joined the organization as its new Chief Operating Officer. Human Rights First is in the implementation phase of a strategic plan that envisions significant growth in service of its mission to strengthen American global leadership on human rights. Silverstein’s wide-ranging record of success—as a business leader, manager, law firm partner, legislative director to a U.S. Congressman, and political advisor—makes him uniquely qualified to guide this effort.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Zach’s intellect, energy, and breadth of experience joining our team as we embark on this new phase of strategic growth. Human Rights First has an ambitious agenda for change, and I can’t imagine a better leader to help us deliver on it,” said Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino.
Most recently, Silverstein rose through various executive roles before becoming President of the Insight division of Amplify, an ed-tech industry leader. In that role, he oversaw multiple lines of business, numerous corporate functions, and hundreds of employees. Under his leadership, the business served millions of school children and hundreds of thousands of educators throughout the U.S.
“The nonprofit world is different today than it was even a decade ago. It’s taking on big challenges and requires leaders who are savvy, strategic, and not afraid to think outside the box. I hope to bring that approach to Human Rights First as we build on our track record of success and continue to grow,” said Silverstein, who will be based in New York City.
Prior to his executive roles in education technology, Silverstein was a partner in the Chicago law firm formerly known as Babbitt, Land, Silverstein & Warner LLP, where his practice focused on higher education law, commercial litigation, employment matters, and appeals. Before his law firm practice, Silverstein clerked for The Honorable R. Guy Cole of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and served as Legislative Director for Congressman Mel Watt (NC-12). Earlier in his career, he worked on political campaigns of national significance, including the 1990 Harvey Gantt for U.S. Senate campaign (NC) and the 1992 Clinton-Gore presidential campaign.
“Over its 35-year history, Human Rights First has earned a reputation for pragmatic, results-oriented advocacy that is politically astute, grounded in facts, and driven by sophisticated legal and policy analysis. I’m excited about the opportunity to join this vibrant, mission-driven organization and help build the infrastructure it needs to achieve its goals,” said Silverstein.
