Laura Tomasko
About Laura Tomasko
Laura Tomasko is a Policy Program Manager at the Urban Institute, where she leads initiatives on charitable giving and impact investing. She previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor at The White House and has extensive experience in nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
Work at Urban Institute
Laura Tomasko has served as Policy Program Manager at the Urban Institute since 2019. In this role, she leads initiatives focused on charitable giving and impact investing at the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy. Her work involves developing policies and programs that enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations and philanthropic efforts. Tomasko's position at the Urban Institute allows her to leverage her extensive experience in public engagement and social innovation.
Previous Experience at The White House
Before joining the Urban Institute, Laura Tomasko worked at The White House from 2014 to 2017 as Senior Policy Advisor for Social Innovation and Deputy Associate Director for Public Engagement. During her tenure, she contributed to the development of policies aimed at fostering social innovation and enhancing public engagement strategies. This role provided her with significant experience in navigating complex policy environments.
Career Background in Philanthropy
Laura Tomasko has a diverse background in philanthropy and nonprofit management. She worked at the Council on Foundations as a Network Developer and previously held the position of Manager for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. Her experience also includes a role at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations as a Summer and Fall Associate. These positions have equipped her with a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape and the dynamics of public-private partnerships.
Educational Qualifications
Laura Tomasko holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University - Maxwell School, where she studied Social Policy and Management. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Occidental College. Her educational background provides her with a strong foundation in public policy and management principles, which she applies in her professional roles.
Early Career and Internships
Laura Tomasko began her career with various internships and entry-level positions that shaped her expertise in social policy and community initiatives. She served as a Research Intern for the American Friends Service Committee and as an Assistant to the Chief-of-Staff at the Center for Community Change. Additionally, she worked as a Research Assistant in Health Policy at the Urban Institute. These early experiences contributed to her understanding of nonprofit operations and policy development.