Erica Schoder is the Executive Director and co-founder of the R Street Institute (RSI). Erica has overseen the strategic growth of RSI from a start-up to a multi-million dollar institution with over 80 staff members across the country. A leadership coach trained at INSEAD Business School, Erica is passionate about building strong, collaborative organizational cultures. She also leads the Artificial Intelligence member group within the Forbes Business Council, focusing on the complex and evolving role of AI in society. Currently pursuing a Master of Science at the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute, Erica’s research explores the intersection of big data, artificial intelligence, and the future of democratic governance. She frequently hosts conversations with think tankers and thought leaders around the globe to ensure that diverse voices contribute to evidence-informed policy solutions. Early in her career, Erica founded an independent bookstore in Colorado that became a beloved community institution, hosting internationally renowned authors, nonprofits, and local groups. Her dedication to the free exchange of ideas remains a core principle in her leadership of RSI.