Craig Newmark

A self-described nerd, Web pioneer, speaker, philanthropist, and advocate of technology for the public good, Craig Newmark was named “Nerd-in-Residence” by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Innovation in recognition of his volunteer work with the department to enhance services to veterans.

He is the founder of craigslist, the almost completely free online classified advertising site that has seen more than 5 billion ads posted. While no longer part of management, Newmark continues to work with craigslist as a customer service representative in what he calls a “lightweight” capacity.

Today, Mr. Newmark’s primary focus is craigconnects, which he launched in March 2011. The mission of craigconnects in the short term is to promote and enhance the use of technology and social media to benefit philanthropy and public service. He uses the craigconnects platform to support effective organizations working for veterans and military families, open government, public diplomacy, journalistic ethics and accountability, consumer protection, election protection, and voter registration.

In addition to Blue Star Families, Mr. Newmark serves on boards for the Poynter Foundation, the Center for Public Integrity, Sunlight Foundation, Consumers Union/Consumer Reports, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. He also serves on the Board of Overseers of the Columbia Journalism Review and on advisory boards of nearly 20 other nonprofits.

Mr. Newmark communicates regularly through his craigconnects blog as well as Huffington Post, Facebook, LinkedIn, Medium, and Twitter. He travels the country speaking about issues, appearing on behalf of organizations he supports, and delivering his craigconnects message to audiences nationwide.