Shawn Reese

Studio associate

Shawn Reese is a civic and public humanities leader with more than twenty years of experience in government, nonprofits, and community-centered cultural work. He has led statewide institutions, supported rural and Tribal communities, and guided organizations through major transitions. His work has consistently focused on rebuilding trust, strengthening civic belief, and creating the conditions for people to shape a shared future. He is completing an M.A. in American Studies at the University of Wyoming, where his research centers on storytelling, rhetoric, and civic belonging.

At the Harwood Institute, Shawn supports efforts to deepen the Institute’s engagement with organizations seeking to strengthen civic culture and renew community life. His work focuses on aligning the New Civic Path with the aspirations of people and institutions striving to rebuild trust, restore belief, and cultivate the conditions for authentic hope and shared action. He brings extensive experience helping organizations navigate uncertainty with clarity, purpose, and a strong grounding in community voice.

In his spare time, Shawn paints, travels, cooks, and hosts gatherings where food and conversation bring people together. He lives in Washington, DC, maintains deep ties to Wyoming, and is endlessly curious about the stories that shape people and place.