RTDNA's Tara Puckey announced as 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Leader
Washington, D.C. (Sept. 11, 2025) — RTDNA Executive Director Tara Puckey has been selected to The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program, joining more than 200 global changemakers announced this week for the 2025-2026 class. Following a competitive selection process, Puckey will be one of just 100 Leaders participating in the Leaders United States program, where they will receive training in leadership development and civic engagement to help build their skills and scale their work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
As Executive Director of the Radio Television Digital News Association, Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, leads strategic initiatives to advance the organization’s mission of supporting and advocating for electronic journalists. Under her leadership, RTDNA has enhanced its programs, expanded professional development opportunities, and increased its impact within the journalism community. Tara’s expertise in operational efficiency and member-focused solutions has positioned RTDNA as a forward-thinking leader in the rapidly evolving media landscape. Earlier this year, Puckey was one of five leaders named as 2025 Fellows of the American Society of Association Executives. In January, she will succeed Dan Shelley as RTDNA’s President and CEO, following Shelley’s retirement after decades of visionary leadership as a board member and staff executive.
As part of the six-month program, these changemakers will convene virtually each week for sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. They will also have an opportunity to participate in virtual experiences and special events, including conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation's global network.
Now in its third year, The Obama Foundation Leaders USA Program is guided by the leadership values of President and Mrs. Obama. The program draws on the Foundation’s Hope to Action curriculum to support Leaders in embracing diverse perspectives, harnessing collective power, and driving tangible progress toward a more just and sustainable world. The Leaders USA Program has a particular focus on strengthening democratic culture, and the more than 100 Leaders are working across a broad range of focus areas, including democracy and civic engagement, public health, climate and environmental sustainability, and arts and culture.
The Obama Foundation Leaders program is designed to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States to change their respective communities and the world. To learn more, visit obama.org/leaders.