Carl Zaragoza is Senior Vice President of Member Impact at LEE, where he leads strategy to build robust pipelines of civic leaders—those who run for office and those who lead through policy and advocacy—so they can shape policy and drive change for stronger, thriving communities.

Carl brings deep expertise in political strategy, candidate recruitment, public policy, and leadership development. He has supported thousands of leaders to run for office, build lasting careers in policy and advocacy leadership, and transform systems that impact people’s daily lives. His work centers on helping people lead from their values—with clarity, purpose, and a deep commitment to impact.

A U.S. Army veteran and Teach For America alumnus, Carl’s belief in the power of civic leadership was shaped early through military service and teaching middle school civics and literacy. He later carried that commitment into elected office, serving two terms on the Creighton School District Governing Board in Arizona, where he championed policies that improved student literacy and health. He also co-founded School Board Partners to support and connect elected leaders nationwide.

Carl lives in Oregon with his family and their rescue dog. He is an endurance athlete and has completed several Ironman-distance triathlons. He is also a Pahara-Aspen Fellow and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.