Current Professional Role and Public Policy Focus
Richard Thomas currently serves as the president and chief executive officer of the New America Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank focused on technology policy, economic reform, and public interest advocacy. In this role, he leads research initiatives on digital regulation, antitrust enforcement, and emerging technology governance, positioning New America as a bridge between Silicon Valley and policymakers. His work emphasizes inclusive innovation, data privacy frameworks, and competition policy in digital markets, aligning with broader regulatory trends in the United States and the European Union New America Foundation.
Prior to leading New America, Thomas held senior positions in the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Obama administration, where he contributed to technology and trade policy development. He has been a vocal advocate for modernizing antitrust frameworks to address platform dominance and for strengthening consumer protections in data-driven markets. His current public policy agenda includes promoting open-source standards, supporting small and medium enterprises in the digital economy, and advising federal agencies on artificial intelligence governance and cybersecurity risk management.
Net Worth, Compensation, and Financial Profile
Richard Thomas's estimated net worth in 2025 reflects his executive leadership at New America, his prior corporate advisory roles, and his involvement in technology-focused investment and policy initiatives. While precise compensation details for nonprofit leaders are often disclosed through IRS Form 990 filings, industry estimates place his total compensation within the range typical for senior executives at major policy organizations, with additional income from board seats and advisory engagements Forbes.
His financial profile also includes strategic investments in technology startups and advisory board positions at companies operating in fintech, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. Thomas has publicly discussed the importance of aligning nonprofit mission-driven work with sustainable funding models, including diversified revenue streams from grants, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic contributions. His approach to personal finance and organizational budgeting emphasizes transparency, long-term stability, and measurable impact on technology policy outcomes.
Career Trajectory and Key Institutional Affiliations
Thomas's career spans roles in law, technology policy, and nonprofit leadership, including senior positions at the Open Technology Institute and advisory work with major technology firms and venture capital funds. He has contributed to landmark policy discussions on net neutrality, broadband access, and the regulation of large technology platforms, often cited in congressional testimony and industry white papers U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Education and Early Career
He holds advanced degrees in law and public policy, with a foundation in constitutional law and regulatory theory that has shaped his approach to technology governance. His early career included litigation and policy analysis roles at leading law firms and public interest organizations, where he focused on telecommunications regulation and digital rights.
Board Memberships and Advisory Positions
Thomas currently serves on the boards of several technology-focused organizations and advisory committees affiliated with federal agencies and international bodies. These roles include advising on digital trade policy, cybersecurity standards, and the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence systems in both the public and private sectors.
Recent Thought Leadership and Publications
In recent years, Thomas has authored and contributed to reports on platform accountability, data governance, and the future of work in the digital economy. His writings have appeared in policy journals and major media outlets, including Forbes and TechCrunch, where he provides analysis on regulatory developments affecting the technology industry and the broader economy.