Internet Society names Raegan MacDonald vice president of global advocacy and internet policy

The Internet Society has appointed Raegan MacDonald to lead its global advocacy and internet policy work, adding a veteran technology policy leader as the group pushes to shape rules for an open, secure Internet. MacDonald joins after roles at Mozilla and Aspiration and will work across the organization’s policy, technical and program teams.

Why it matters: - Raegan MacDonald will help steer the Internet Society’s efforts to influence the policies and partnerships shaping the future of the Internet. - The appointment comes as the nonprofit works to protect an Internet that is open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy. - MacDonald’s background in digital rights and technology policy strengthens the organization’s advocacy bench at a time when Internet governance is under pressure worldwide.

What happened: - The Internet Society appointed Raegan MacDonald as vice president of global advocacy and internet policy. - The organization announced the move on July 6, 2026. - MacDonald will lead the Internet Society’s global advocacy and Internet policy portfolio. - She will work across the organization to connect technical expertise, program work and policy priorities to global impact. - Yogesh Khanna, executive vice president and managing director at the Internet Society, said MacDonald’s expertise in global technology policy and partnership building will be valuable to the mission. - MacDonald said she is excited to join the Internet Society and help keep the Internet open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy.

The details: - MacDonald brings more than 15 years of international experience in technology policy, global advocacy and coalition building. - She joins the Internet Society after serving as director of global public policy at Mozilla. - At Mozilla, she led the company’s public policy presence in Brussels and internationally. - She most recently served as director of policy leadership at Aspiration. - At Aspiration, she founded the Policy Leadership Initiative, a program aimed at mentoring and advancing the next generation of diverse digital policy leaders. - Earlier in her career, MacDonald established Access Now’s Brussels office and led the group’s European advocacy. - She also served on the board of European Digital Rights, or EDRi. - MacDonald was the founding board chair of the Digital Freedom Fund. - The Internet Society was founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers. - The organization says it works through members, special interest groups and more than 130 chapters worldwide. - The Internet Society says it defends and promotes Internet policies, standards and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected and secure. - More information is available on the Internet Society’s website.

Between the lines: - The hire signals that the Internet Society wants a leader with deep policy experience and a track record of working across governments, civil society, academia and industry. - MacDonald’s mix of advocacy, coalition work and leadership roles suggests the organization is prioritizing influence beyond traditional policy shop functions. - Her background in Brussels points to continued emphasis on transatlantic and global regulatory debates.

What's next: - MacDonald is expected to work with Internet Society staff, partners and communities around the world. - Her portfolio will likely focus on advancing policy positions and partnerships tied to Internet openness, security and trust. - The Internet Society will continue using its chapters and global network to push its policy agenda.

The bottom line: - The Internet Society is betting on a seasoned global policy operator to help shape the next phase of Internet governance.