Miami-Dade native to help lead democracy initiatives in Cuba, elsewhere in region
The National Endowment for Democracy, which promotes freedom across Latin America including in Cuba, has named Eddy Acevedo, a longtime expert in Western Hemisphere politics, as its vice president for policy and government relations.
A nonprofit established by Congress to bolster democracy worldwide, the organization has projects in more than a dozen countries in Latin America, and a number of grantees are in Miami supporting democracy initiatives in Cuba. The group’s grants fund independent journalism and development of software that, among other things, allows citizens to view banned websites.
Last spring, the endowment became one of several U.S.-backed human rights groups targeted for cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency under the leadership of Elon Musk. After the Trump administration withheld $239 million of its funding, the organization sued and successfully fended off the attempt to block its congressionally appropriated funding.
In a 15-page ruling, a federal judge, Dabney L. Friedrich, ordered the release of $95 million after determining the nonprofit’s funds had been blocked “for impermissible policy reasons.” He also noted that the agency had suffered irreparable harm in the form of layoffs of critical staff members and suspension of several democracy-supporting initiatives.
“As a champion of democracy, freedom, and American values, I’m proud to join NED and help lead a policy and government relations strategy that honors its founding mission and reflects how the organization operates today—focused, results-oriented, strategic, and impact-driven,” Acevedo said.
Acevedo, who was born in Miami-Dade County and is a graduate of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, brings more than two decades of experience working with Congress and policymakers on bipartisan national security, foreign affairs and democracy issues. He started his career as federal affairs coordinator for Miami-Dade County’s Washington, D.C. office, and later made his mark as the longtime congressional aid to Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Among his many roles with the retired congresswoman: overseeing the Western Hemisphere portfolio for the House Foreign Affairs Committee under her chairmanship, where he helped craft positions on Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
From 2011-17 Acevedo served as senior foreign policy adviser and staff director for the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. He also worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Most recently, Acevedo served as chief of staff to the president and CEO of the Wilson Center, where he was a principal adviser on global affairs and institutional strategy.
“Joining NED is a great honor,” said Acevedo. “Born from President Ronald Reagan’s vision of advancing freedom and democracy, NED remains a vital instrument of American leadership—a beacon of hope that supports those striving for liberty and holds tyrannical regimes accountable. NED combines speed, innovation and accountability to support democratic ideals that help make America safer, stronger and more prosperous while also advancing American national security interests.”
NED President and CEO Damon Wilson said Acevedo brings “a rare combination of strategic and political insight, operational experience and a deep understanding of how democratic institutions take root and endure.”
“As a Nicaraguan American with deep experience across Congress and the executive branch, he understands how democratic values advance U.S. interests, and how authoritarian regimes seek to undermine both,” Wilson added. “His leadership will strengthen NED’s ability to engage policymakers, partners, and the public.”
Acevedo holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Political Science from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.
