PATRICIA DUFF
Founder & CEO
Patricia Duff is a political activist and the founder and CEO of The Common Good (TCG), a nonpartisan, nonprofit, pro-democracy organization dedicated to strengthening civic participation and engagement. TCG convenes leading policymakers and public figures from across the political spectrum; works to understand and mitigate our deepening polarization, conducts national surveys on causes and effects on division; advances initiatives to counter extremism; and publishes America’s Report Card, comparing the U.S. with other nations on democracy, happiness, and economic performance to provide guidance for policymakers in the U.S. on potential ways to improve outcomes for our people. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, TCG has launched the American Renewal Project to advance practical policy solutions, renew our institutions, and restore a shared belief in what America - and Americans - can achieve. Recent speakers have included Senator Elissa Slotkin, Governor Andy Beshear, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, and many other notable personalities from business, media, government, and beyond
Duff began her career in research and public communications for the House Select Committee on Assassinations, which re-investigated the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, then served as vice president at two leading Washington, D.C. media and political strategy firms, including Caddell & Associates and Squier-Eskew, for candidates for President, Senate, House and Mayor, and also produced talk radio and television appearances for a leading political host, John McLaughlin. After moving to Los Angeles for the Hart for President campaign, Duff started Show Coalition, the precursor to The Common Good, organizing events with national leaders - from Bill Clinton and Dick Gephardt to Bob Dole and President George H.W. Bush, to advance political involvement of the Hollywood community. Duff also founded Colors United, supporting at-risk students in South Central Los Angeles, and has been a leading advocate for reform of New York’s court system - efforts that helped spur a judicial commission and meaningful reforms. Her work has been widely recognized, with coverage in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times, which named her a “Rising Star.” She has also been recognized by Esquire as one of its “Women We Love.” She has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a member of the Board of Trustees of PEN America, which defends free speech, the Task on Democracy launched by the American Bar Association, a long-time member of the Board of Advisors for the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. Duff previously served as a presidential appointee to the Library of Congress Board of Trustees and a Mayoral appointee to the Commission on Women in Los Angeles. Her numerous leadership and board roles have also included NPR, Save the Children, Federal Hall, Lincoln Center Film Society, Hamptons International Film Festival, Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and Brady United.
Born in Los Angeles, Duff spent her preteen and teen years in Europe where her father worked for an American multinational corporation, then returned to the U.S. to attend college at Barnard and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service where she earned her BSFS in International Economics.
Denise M. Barker
Managing Director
With a distinguished background spanning over 25 years in international financial institutions and wealth management, Denise has been a stalwart force in steering strategic initiatives for two leading global banks. Her extensive experience includes serving as Assistant Vice President of Citibank, NA, where she actively engaged with governmental agencies; and working with the Royal Bank of Canada in wealth management, where she focused on expanding wealth on an international scale.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Denise has exhibited a profound commitment to social impact, contributing as an Executive Director for two non-profit organizations. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in steering entrepreneurship initiatives in underserved communities, showcasing her dedication to fostering positive change beyond the corporate realm.
Denise’s harmonization of financial expertise and an unwavering passion for making a difference in the world, distinguishes her as a leader of unique merit. Her ability to navigate the intricacies of both corporate and non-profit environments positions her as a versatile leader capable of fostering collaboration and driving collective success.
Oona Timmeny-Tracy
Senior Program Manager
Oona is driven by a deep commitment to advancing equality, justice, and democracy. As Senior Program Manager at TCG, she is dedicated to curating informed conversations where people can engage meaningfully with urgent issues, strengthen their civic participation, and drive change.
Prior to joining The Common Good, Oona worked with Sustainable Alamance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals through the reentry process. There, she conducted research on policies and legislation that perpetuate systemic barriers for those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Oona also brings political field experience, having contributed to congressional campaigns in North Carolina, where she gained firsthand insight into the mechanics of governance and grassroots mobilization.
She holds a B.A. in political science, with minors in social justice and poverty, and psychology from Elon University.
Brock Walker
Program Manager
Anthony Ruse
Digital Media Manager
INTERNS
Become a TCG intern and learn more about politics and public policy.
Interns work closely with TCG staff who provide their expertise and mentorship to those looking to expand their portfolio and engage in civil service. Through social media, communications, research and event organizing, interns help The Common Good accomplish their goals and increase participation in politics.
In Loving Memory of Brandon Peart-Wright
Brandon Peart-Wright was an intern at The Common Good over the summer of 2019. Brandon was a handsome, smart, positive young man who touched all of us with the warmth of his smile. He will be greatly missed.
Brandon participated in our My American Story initiative. Learn more about him and his family.
Looking for a way to help bolster our democracy?
Get involved with The Common Good!
PATRICIA DUFF
Founder & CEO
Patricia Duff is a political activist and the founder and CEO of The Common Good (TCG), a nonpartisan, nonprofit, pro-democracy organization dedicated to strengthening civic participation and engagement. TCG convenes leading policymakers and public figures from across the political spectrum; works to understand and mitigate our deepening polarization, conducts national surveys on causes and effects on division; advances initiatives to counter extremism; and publishes America’s Report Card, comparing the U.S. with other nations on democracy, happiness, and economic performance to provide guidance for policymakers in the U.S. on potential ways to improve outcomes for our people. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, TCG has launched the American Renewal Project to advance practical policy solutions, renew our institutions, and restore a shared belief in what America - and Americans - can achieve. Recent speakers have included Senator Elissa Slotkin, Governor Andy Beshear, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, and many other notable personalities from business, media, government, and beyond
Duff began her career in research and public communications for the House Select Committee on Assassinations, which re-investigated the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, then served as vice president at two leading Washington, D.C. media and political strategy firms, including Caddell & Associates and Squier-Eskew, for candidates for President, Senate, House and Mayor, and also produced talk radio and television appearances for a leading political host, John McLaughlin. After moving to Los Angeles for the Hart for President campaign, Duff started Show Coalition, the precursor to The Common Good, organizing events with national leaders - from Bill Clinton and Dick Gephardt to Bob Dole and President George H.W. Bush, to advance political involvement of the Hollywood community. Duff also founded Colors United, supporting at-risk students in South Central Los Angeles, and has been a leading advocate for reform of New York’s court system - efforts that helped spur a judicial commission and meaningful reforms. Her work has been widely recognized, with coverage in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times, which named her a “Rising Star.” She has also been recognized by Esquire as one of its “Women We Love.” She has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a member of the Board of Trustees of PEN America, which defends free speech, the Task on Democracy launched by the American Bar Association, a long-time member of the Board of Advisors for the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. Duff previously served as a presidential appointee to the Library of Congress Board of Trustees and a Mayoral appointee to the Commission on Women in Los Angeles. Her numerous leadership and board roles have also included NPR, Save the Children, Federal Hall, Lincoln Center Film Society, Hamptons International Film Festival, Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and Brady United.
Born in Los Angeles, Duff spent her preteen and teen years in Europe where her father worked for an American multinational corporation, then returned to the U.S. to attend college at Barnard and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service where she earned her BSFS in International Economics.
Denise M. Barker
Managing Director
With a distinguished background spanning over 25 years in international financial institutions and wealth management, Denise has been a stalwart force in steering strategic initiatives for two leading global banks. Her extensive experience includes serving as Assistant Vice President of Citibank, NA, where she actively engaged with governmental agencies; and working with the Royal Bank of Canada in wealth management, where she focused on expanding wealth on an international scale.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Denise has exhibited a profound commitment to social impact, contributing as an Executive Director for two non-profit organizations. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in steering entrepreneurship initiatives in underserved communities, showcasing her dedication to fostering positive change beyond the corporate realm.
Denise’s harmonization of financial expertise and an unwavering passion for making a difference in the world, distinguishes her as a leader of unique merit. Her ability to navigate the intricacies of both corporate and non-profit environments positions her as a versatile leader capable of fostering collaboration and driving collective success.
Oona Timmeny-Tracy
Senior Program Manager
Oona is driven by a deep commitment to advancing equality, justice, and democracy. As Senior Program Manager at TCG, she is dedicated to curating informed conversations where people can engage meaningfully with urgent issues, strengthen their civic participation, and drive change.
Prior to joining The Common Good, Oona worked with Sustainable Alamance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals through the reentry process. There, she conducted research on policies and legislation that perpetuate systemic barriers for those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Oona also brings political field experience, having contributed to congressional campaigns in North Carolina, where she gained firsthand insight into the mechanics of governance and grassroots mobilization.
She holds a B.A. in political science, with minors in social justice and poverty, and psychology from Elon University.
Brock Walker
Program Manager
Anthony Ruse
Digital Media Manager
INTERNS
Become a TCG intern and learn more about politics and public policy.
Interns work closely with TCG staff who provide their expertise and mentorship to those looking to expand their portfolio and engage in civil service. Through social media, communications, research and event organizing, interns help The Common Good accomplish their goals and increase participation in politics.