For more than 25 years, Makini Nyanteh has led communications in the public and private sectors, having worked with internationally prominent brands across a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, utilities, consumer goods, consumer packaging, financial services, and the U.S. federal government. She is an award-winning storyteller and people leader with expertise in C-suite consultation, strategic planning, change management, issues and crisis management, media relations, branding, and marketing. 

Currently the senior vice president and chief communications officer at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Makini is accountable for the design and implementation of the communications and public affairs strategy that elevates AIR’s reputation, research, and capabilities. She is the chief architect of the brand and content strategy that advances AIR’s mission, and leads the teams driving policy and public affairs, digital media, strategic communications, marketing, and corporate social responsibility.

Makini earned her B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a longstanding board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and is president-elect of their Montgomery County chapter. She is a board member and Executive Committee vice chair of the Public Affairs Council, past board member of Washington Women in Public Relations, and was past president of the International Association of Business Communicators, Washington Metro Chapter.

She is a devoted mother of three and enjoys adjunct teaching at the collegiate level.