John Shaw has been chosen to lead the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, replacing its former director David Yepsen, who retired in October 2016.

Shaw’s appointment is still subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at its next meeting on Dec. 14. If selected, Shaw will start Jan.16.

Since Yepsen’s retirement last year, Jak Tichenor has been serving as interim director.

For 26 years, Shaw worked as a congressional reporter with Market News International, where he covered political and economic issues.

For the last 20 years Shaw has been a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat. At the monthly magazine Shaw writes a column titled “People of World Influence,” where he has profiled leaders such as Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, James Baker, Sam Nunn and Zbigniew Brzezinski.

Shaw earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Knox College in Galesburg. He later earned his master’s degree in history from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He also has experience as a congressional analyst for media outlets such as C-SPAN, ABC’s “20/20,” “The PBS Newshour” and SkyNews Australia.

Shaw is also an author of five books, including his latest, “Rising Star, Setting Sun: Eisenhower, Kennedy and the Presidential Transition that Shaped America,” which is to be published by Pegasus Books in the spring of 2018.

Chancellor Carlo Montmagno said Shaw will bring valuable experience to the institute.

“I am excited John Shaw accepted our offer to lead the highly respected Paul Simon Institute,” Montemagno said. “John will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from his more than two decades covering national and international politics and public policy.”

The Daily Egyptian’s campus desk can be reached at 618-536-3397 or [email protected].

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