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ABOUT

Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. is a Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the Public Policy Program at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College.  He also lectures at Columbia University in the School of International and Public Affairs and Teachers College.  With over 15 years in higher education and 25 years of a career dedicated to public service, Basil regularly shares insights on electoral politics, governance, and public policy on national media outlets such as MSNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg TV.  He holds a PhD in Politics and Education and an MPA from Columbia University and received a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University. Previously, Basil served as the Distinguished Lecturer of Politics and Public Policy at the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies.  He was appointed by former Governor David Paterson to serve as the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party during the 2016 presidential cycle where he was the “second highest ranking Democrat” in the State.  Basil worked closely with elected officials and community leaders to manage electoral and fundraising strategies for the State. He recruited candidates for political office and worked closely with the Democratic National Committee to create grassroots mobilization programs and act as a Party surrogate.  Under Basil’s leadership, Democrats flipped county legislatures, and county-wide seats – laying the foundation for returning the State Senate to full Democratic control in 2018 and flipping three Congressional seats.  He received awards from the Governor and Comptroller of New York State for his commitment to public service and education equity.

“Basil has been a key advisor and a tremendous public servant.  It is an honor to have him on my team as we work to serve the people of New York.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton

“Basil has been a key advisor and a tremendous public servant.  It is an honor to have him on my team as we work to serve the people of New York.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton

EXPERTISE

CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS

PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS AND GOVERANCE

EDUCATION POLITICS AND POLICY

PUBLIC SECTOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Latest Publications

Basil Smikle’s latest work.

Quotes

“Basil believed in us and in our potential. He sang our praises to everyone from county chairs to the Governors office. Because of his constant support, our party as a whole is stronger.”

Mike Corbett

FORMER PRESIDENT OF NEW YORK STATE YOUNG DEMOCRATS

“Basil is a national-caliber political operative and we are lucky to have him leading day-to-day operations for the State Democratic Party [and] combines a mastery of public policy with an inherent feel for communities throughout New York State.”

David Paterson

FORMER NEW YORK STATE GOVERNOR

Basil’s work has “led to a better understanding of the importance and value of developing sound public policy” and as “a staunch advocate for public service and education equity, [he is] an inspiring voice for the rights and opportunities that all people deserve”

Governor Andrew Cuomo

GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK STATE

“Basil believed in us and in our potential. He sang our praises to everyone from county chairs to the Governors office. Because of his constant support, our party as a whole is stronger.”

Mike Corbett, Former President of New York State Young Democrats

NEWARK MAYOR

“Basil is a national-caliber political operative and we are lucky to have him leading day-to-day operations for the State Democratic Party [and] combines a mastery of public policy with an inherent feel for communities throughout New York State.”

David Paterson

FORMER GOVERNOR

“Basil is a much sought after consultant”

Cory Booker

NEWARK MAYOR

“Impressive Speaker”

Rev. Al Sharpton

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER

“A fresh thinking school reformer”

New York Daily News

MEDIA

“New York needs such vibrant leadership”

New York Post

MEDIA

“Basil is a much sought after consultant”

Cory Booker

NEWARK MAYOR

“Impressive Speaker”

Rev. Al Sharpton

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER

“A fresh thinking school reformer”

New York Daily News

MEDIA

“New York needs such vibrant leadership”

New York Post

MEDIA

Book Basil for television commentary or written opinion pieces on politics, policy and education. He is available as a panelist, discussion moderator or keynote.

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