Louis Davis

About Louis Davis

I’m an advocacy-driven nonprofit executive with 40 years of forward-looking leadership in civic engagement, social justice, and equity. My work bridges vision and implementation—designing and delivering programs that expand participation, reduce inequality, and uplift historically marginalized voices.I lead with a collaborative mindset, building strategic partnerships that translate philanthropic intent into measurable community impact. From shaping national public policy to advancing grassroots efforts, I’ve worked across Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C, and parts of Africa to create durable change in communities facing systemic barriers.Grounded in a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit management, I bring both intellectual depth and practical experience to every effort—mobilizing people, resources, and ideas to build a more just and inclusive future.

Experience

1. State Director District of Columbia

   AARP

   Apr 2009 — Present

   Key Accomplishments— Oversee the direction of advocacy and communications strategies that influence state, federal, and local issues, achieving 10-year advocacy record of budget wins for key senior programs and services—Directed response to the COVID-19 pandemic and addressed its disproportionate impact on low-income communities, people of color, and the LGBT community; strategically targeted $46K in grants to nonprofits serving these communities and provided food, hygiene kits, and vaccinations to over 3,700 affected residents—Spearheaded programs addressing discrimination based on gender, race, age, or sexual orientation; partnered with local nonprofit to create a safe space and forum for the 50+ Black lesbian community and developed online workshops highlighting Black women’s experiences with COVID-19 and racism—Led a networking and advocacy campaign that promoted the AARP Age-Friendly Communities network in D.C. and received personal recognition from former Mayor Vincent Gray during a highly publicized press conference

Education

• Knox College

  B.A., Political Science

  1983 — 1986

• The George Washington University

  Master of Public Administration - MPA, Public Administration

  2006 — 2008