Federation of American Scientists Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors
Kumar Garg and Matt Lira bring innovation and government expertise to FAS
Washington, D.C. – March 30, 2026 – The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is excited to announce that Kumar Garg and Matt Lira are joining the organization’s Board of Directors.
Both Lira and Garg come with long histories of driving technological and scientific innovation both in government and philanthropy – and bring extensive networks and track records of impact to FAS.
“FAS has experienced unprecedented growth in the past few years, affording us the opportunity to broaden our focus to reach new domains, while expanding our playbook to generate impact in new ways. Kumar and Matt bring a depth of expertise that can help us continue to evolve – their perspectives are exactly what’s needed as FAS seeks to help the country renew its relationship with science and innovation,” said FAS CEO Daniel Correa.
Matt Lira is the Executive Director of Invest America, an organization which works to reduce income and opportunity gaps by helping families understand investing and take part in the financial system. He previously served at the White House Office of American Innovation where he helped coordinate priority policy initiatives. Lira also served as a Senior Advisor to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and a Senior Advisor to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.
Throughout his work in government, Lira has aimed to forge trust and consensus by bringing people together to find areas where progress can be made. In an era of deep partisanship, his work has frequently earned the support of both sides of the aisle.
“It is an honor to join the board of an organization with such a uniquely distinguished history and an even brighter future ahead.” Lira said. “Evidence-based leadership at the intersection of science and policy is more important than it’s ever been, and that’s exactly what FAS provides. This organization is poised to lead the conversation about the next era of innovation and the role government should play. I’m proud to support this important mission.”
Currently the President of Renaissance Philanthropy, Kumar Garg comes to FAS’s board with decades of experience across the science and technology landscape. His work includes designing and launching moonshot initiatives covering a range of technological and educational fields. He has also specialized in building multi-sector and multi-donor collaboratives aimed at supercharging impact at large scale.
Early in his career, Garg spent time shaping policy for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, driving progress on topics ranging from education and workforce issues, biotechnology, entrepreneurship, space, advanced manufacturing, broadband, nanotechnology, behavioral sciences, digital media and incentive prizes. He also led efforts to bring computer science to all K-12 students, and the creation of iconic events such as the White House Science Fair.
“I have watched as FAS continues to work tirelessly to advance science and technology policy that benefits society. I am excited to join an esteemed board and help shape the future direction of one of the oldest science think tanks in the United States,” said Garg.
Garg and Lira were officially voted onto the board in September 2025 and January 2026, respectively. They will begin work at the next board meeting for a three year term.
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About FAS
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) works to advance progress on a broad suite of contemporary issues where science, technology, and innovation policy can deliver transformative impact, and seeks to ensure that scientific and technical expertise have a seat at the policymaking table. Established in 1945 by scientists in response to the atomic bomb, FAS continues to bring scientific rigor and analysis to address national challenges. More information about FAS work at fas.org.
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