PATRICIA DUFF
Founder/CEO
Patricia Duff founded The Common Good in 2007 in New York to bring together major policy leaders from government and authoritative figures from business, media, journalism and academia to speak candidly on the most important issues of the day. These meetings are meant to provide ideas and information, advocate citizen participation, and encourage finding common ground. The Common Good is rooted in Show Coalition, an influential entertainment industry-based organization that she and others started in 1988. Duff’s work has spanned the entertainment and political worlds. Duff worked as vice president of two of the country’s leading political strategy and consulting firms in Washington D.C., and has lent her energy and expertise to dozens of political races across the country, including several Presidential election efforts.
Duff also served on the Congressional investigative committee that reexamined the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, had her own television political talk show, led women’s outreach for political campaign efforts, and has served on a number of boards, including the Library of Congress Board of Trustees, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service Board of Advisors and the board of the Lincoln Center Film Society. Duff is a member of the Economic Club and the Council on Foreign Relations.
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 with Citibank, NA, where she actively engaged with central banks and governmental agencies. Denise further honed her financial acumen during her tenure at the Royal Bank of Canada, Wealth Management, with a focus 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 in 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 with 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.
Jessica McCoy
Program Manager
From embracing vegetarianism at the age of 7 to volunteering at homeless shelters during her early years, Jessica's sense of responsibility and compassion has been a guiding force. This led her to study Conservation Biology and Public Health, combining her love for environmental sustainability and public welfare.
Jess has been engaged in politics from a young age, even spearheading a mock election at her elementary school at the age of 9. Recently, she played a pivotal role in a New York City Council Campaign, showcasing her unwavering dedication to civic engagement.
Outside the realm of work, Jess enjoys baking, photography, and hiking.
Oona Timmeny-Tracy
Program Manager
Oona is a passionate individual who cares deeply about finding ways to contribute and advocate for the advancement of equality, justice, and democracy- which led her to study political science, social justice and poverty, and psychology.
Applying her passion and knowledge, Oona spent time working for a non-profit organization dedicated to helping re-integrate those who were formerly incarcerated and researching policy and legislation that hinders individuals who have gone through the criminal justice system.
She brings firsthand insights into the dynamics of policy and governance from her time working for a congressional campaign in North Carolina.
Outside of work you could find Oona listening to live music, striking up conversation with new people, and traveling to new cities.
Zoe Konstantelos
Zoe graduated from CUNY at Hunter College with a degree in Political Science and International Relations. She is deeply interested in international politics and the involvement of the United States in foreign affairs. Zoe has previously interned with the George Maragos mayoral campaign in Glen Cove, NY. She is also involved in the Greek community in NY through dance and volunteer work. Her dream is to move and help the people in Greece.
Sofia Sanchez-Urbina
Sofia is a Master in Public Policy (MPP) candidate at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy, where she concentrates on comparative political economy and international development. She brings experience in local government and non-profit organizations focusing on issues of health, immigration, and tech.
Sofia believes that policy and communications are deeply intertwined when crafting effective and transformative reform. As an advocate for health care access and immigration system improvements, she is passionate about using policy expertise and messaging to influence positive change.
Through her academic coursework, Sofia has analyzed the intersections of politics, government institutions, and economics in policymaking. By drawing from this interdisciplinary background, she is excited to support TCG’s endeavors towards a greater democracy during her internship.
Outside of work, Sofia enjoys being in community through the exploration of her interests in music, baking, and photography.
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 miss.
Brandon participated in our My American Story initiative. Click to learn more about him and his family.
