ABOUT US
The Center for the American Family (CAF) is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families as the foundation of America’s social and economic well-being. We fill the family policy void by providing evidence-based research, practical tools, and education focused solely on the American family—from birth to beyond retirement. By translating data into action, Center for the American Family equips leaders, communities, and families themselves with the resources they need to thrive.
MISSION:
To advance family-forward policies and programs that enhance the stability, prosperity, and well-being of American families through rigorous research, advocacy, and education.
VISION:
We envision a country where:
•Families can grow and thrive
•Adults can live fulfilling personal and professional lives
•The elderly can work, retire, and live with dignity
•Children can play, learn, and grow to reach their potential
•Care work is valued and respected
CORE VALUES
FAMILY OR BUST.
The family is the origin and engine of the American economy. Flourishing families make a flourishing economy. Without investments in the family, the economy goes bust.
STAY CURIOUS
Ask the right questions and be humble with the answers.
FIND THE FUN
Play is the brain’s favorite way to learn. We do serious work, but we keep our sense of humor. Our working style is creative, entertaining, and enjoyable.
FOLLOW THE FACTS. TELL THE TRUTH.
Uphold the highest standards of research while speaking candidly and honestly about the results.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Information we give should be easily digestible, clean, and attractive.
WHO WE ARE
Annie Conderacci
Founder, executive Director
Annie is an expert change agent, strategist, and utility player. She has consulted for public, private, and non-profit clients, specializing in policy and organizational change. Her political and policy research clients include the Harvard Institute of Politics, Maryland Family Network, and Governor Wes Moore’s Transition Team.
A Rice BA, Kellogg MBA, Harvard MPA, and graduate of the world’s top improv comedy schools, Annie integrates lessons from all three to inform her work and deliver results while keeping her sense of humor. All of this training only slightly prepared her for her greatest and most rewarding test—parenting kids under 5.
Tom Hobbs
President, Advisory Board
Tom is a national security professional with over 20 years of experience helping leaders and organizations make better decisions. He currently serves as the Department of the Army’s lead strategist for the Indo-Pacific theater. He also has experience leading organizational change initiatives in the corporate and non-profit sectors. He uses expertise in policy, strategy, and management to help leaders understand their environments, define their goals, and make risk and resource-informed decisions.
As a husband and father of two, he’s committed to strengthening America’s security by strengthening America’s families.
FAYE HENRY
TREASURER, ADVISORY BOARD
A leader in treasury and finance, Faye seeks to inspire change, improve worker experiences, and add value throughout organizations. She is a change management professional with a focus on the development of treasury and finance. Most recently, she worked with local governments to define and change operational liquidity, and to use excess cash flow to safely generate additional income. She elevated reporting and transparency of investments to be part of of bi-annual commission reporting and presentation package. Throughout the process, she worked to elevate and cross train all staff.
KAAN KADIOGLU
VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY, ADVISORY BOARD
Kaan is a senior leader in corporate strategy and operations. He has over a decade of experience in global supply chain and business operations leadership positions. He has led program management teams and complex organizational transformation projects. He is currently in a management position at AWS.
Kaan is a two-time graduate of The University of Chicago, with a BA in Political Science and an MBA. He started his career in Paid Media and Opinion Research with Obama for America 2012.
CATHEY PARK
ADVISORY BOARD
Cathey Park is the Director of Student Programs at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School. She oversees the 17 programs and works closely with the student advisory committee executive leadership team. Cathey works collaboratively with students on a wide variety of projects and initiatives. Prior to her current role, she managed the Conferences and Special Projects portfolio which included signature IOP seminars: Newly Elected Mayors, Newly Elected Members of Congress, and the Presidential Campaign Managers Conference. She has been involved with many IOP programs, including Fellows and Study Groups, Women’s Initiative in Leadership (WIL), and the JFK Jr. Forum. Before joining the IOP, she was a staffer for Harvard Kennedy School Dean Joseph S. Nye, Jr.
Cathey was born in Seoul, South Korea and grew up in Portland, Oregon. She received her BA in political science from Boston University. Cathey lives in Cambridge with her husband and three children.
JARED TOPOREK
ADVISORY BOARD
Jared Toporek is a consultant by day, while building his own app Keenforms on nights and weekends. He has a passion for solving problems and writing code. His writing in English has been published by Stack Overflow.
He lives in Chicago with his wife, two kids, and border collie. He holds a BS from Syracuse in Environmental Design and a Masters in Computer Science from Northeastern Illinois University. When he isn’t trying to be a better father, husband, and coder, he’s probably playing soccer, baking sourdough, or struggling to play the intro of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” on guitar.
KATHRYN VESTAL
ADVISORY BOARD
Katie is the daughter, sister, and wife of educators. A former educator herself, she left the classroom to attend law school. Katie began her legal career as a prosecutor in Harris County, where she gained invaluable experience as a trial attorney. Katie now uses her experience and advocacy skills to represent school districts, colleges, universities, and other governmental entities in a wide range of disputes both in and out of the courtroom. Prior to attending law school, Katie taught middle school English in the Houston area. She also served as a content specialist and girls’ basketball coach.
LARA WAGNER
ADVISORY BOARD
Lara is a proven employee engagement and change management leader with over 12 years of expertise in instructional design, communications, and workforce development. Known for her empathetic leadership and genuine commitment to people, she partners with global business leaders to create inclusive, high-impact learning strategies for top talent and technology-rich environments—most recently at Blue Origin.
A Midwest native, Lara began her career teaching English Literature and Writing at universities in the Chicagoland area before transitioning to the private sector. She lives in Chicago and, with her husband, recently began foster parenting. Combining her professional background with her lived experience as a queer, disabled woman and adoptee, Lara brings to the Board a strong commitment to research, education, and equity.
