Claudia Cummings serves as senior vice president of public affairs, bringing more than two decades as a seasoned state and federal public policy strategist and communications leader. At Philanthropy Roundtable, she leads integrated policy, government affairs and strategic communications to advance philanthropic freedom, strengthen free society and amplify the role of private initiative in advancing the common good.
Cumming’s career is defined by her ability to drive impact at the nexus of policy and practice. She has secured significant legislative and regulatory wins across multiple administrations, built trusted relationships with policymakers and translated complex policy issues with clarity and conviction. Her experience spans federal service at the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as senior leadership roles under former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.
A nationally recognized voice, she has contributed expert analysis in outlets such as The Hill and Bloomberg News, and delivered plenary remarks at leading convenings, including the National Governors Association and the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA).
Before joining the Roundtable, Cummings served as president and CEO of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. She holds a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College and a aster’s of Public Affairs from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs where she recently received its highest honor, the Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award.
