Vann R. Newkirk II

Vann R. Newkirk II is a Senior Editor and Staff Writer at The Atlantic, where coverage focuses on politics and policy since February 2016. As a freelance writer since August 2010, Newkirk has independently contributed essays and articles to various prominent publications, including GQ and Ebony. Prior experience includes serving as a Staff Writer at Daily Kos, covering justice and social issues, and as a Policy Analyst at the Kaiser Family Foundation, where data analysis and policy reporting on health topics were key responsibilities. Additional roles include Graduate Research Assistant at the American College of Surgeons and Policy Intern at Ascension Health, where engagements with policymakers were critical. Newkirk holds an MSPH in Health Policy & Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Morehouse College.