David Smydra

David Smydra has extensive work experience in the media and technology industry. David is currently the VP of Product at POLITICO, where they develop and executes product strategies to drive growth and engagement. Prior to that, they worked at Twitter as the Head of HITL Curation, where they transformed the curation process from manual workflows to product-focused approaches. David also had significant roles at Google, including Head of News Content Strategy, Editorial Director of Newsstand, Strategic Partner Manager for News, and Product Specialist for News. At Google, they led various teams and projects, expanding the company's news products and improving content quality. Before their time at Google, they worked as a Reporter at Half Moon Bay Review, covering local beats and focusing on property, development, and environmental issues. David also held positions as a Publicist at Shambhala Publications and an Editorial Assistant/Assistant Editor at Boston Review.

David Smydra completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Kenyon College from 1997 to 2001. David then pursued a Master of Arts in English at the University of Virginia, which they completed from 2001 to 2002. Later, David obtained a Master of Arts degree in Communication (Journalism) from Stanford University, attending from 2006 to 2007.