The AI Policy Podcast

Episode: In Memoriam: Andrew Schwartz, Our Friend and Colleague

Date: July 29, 2025

Host: Gregory C. Allen, Senior Adviser, Wadhwani AI Centers at CSIS

Overview

This special episode departs from the usual exploration of AI policy to memorialize Andrew Schwartz, the late co-host and Chief Communications Officer of CSIS, who recently passed away unexpectedly. Gregory C. Allen reflects on Andrew's profound influence on think tank communications, the evolution of CSIS media, and his personal and professional legacy within the policy community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Andrew Schwartz’s Pioneering Impact on Think Tank Communication

• Revolutionizing the Field:
  • Andrew “is actually responsible, maybe more than anyone else, for the modern think tank media playbook.”
    • [01:18]
  • Arrived from broadcast journalism in the late 1990s/early 2000s, saw the transformative potential of digital platforms for think tanks.
• Shifting Think Tanks Online:
  • Before Andrew: Reports were “paper and ink,” mailed in hopes of being read.
    • [01:38]
  • Andrew insisted that CSIS research be made freely available online, pioneering user-friendly websites and digital dissemination.
  • Pushed for broadcasting CSIS events via online video and widespread use of social media—leading others in the industry to follow suit.
  • "He was a legitimate trailblazer in the world of think tank communications. And this is a trail that he was blazing for 20 years."
    • [03:00]

Personal Connection and Influence

• Mentoring Beyond Measure:
  • Gregory shares that, as a high school debate student, his own research led him again and again to CSIS, thanks to Andrew’s digital initiatives.
  • “Andrew Schwartz literally shaped the course of my life… long before he and I even met.”
    • [04:23]
• Support and Generosity at CSIS:
  • Andrew was unmatched in his consistent support, encouragement, and proactive collaboration.
  • “No one at CSIS has been more consistently supportive of me, my team, our work in the three years that I've been here… He was just so excited about everything that I've been trying to do.”
    • [05:00]

Building World-Class Communications

• CSIS’s Media Capabilities:
  • Under Andrew, CSIS built newsroom-quality broadcast studios and excelled in graphics, digital media, and AI-integrated tools.
  • Example: The AI-generated audio button on CSIS reports originated from a casual conversation with Gregory. Within two weeks, Andrew’s team launched it.
    • [07:02]
  • “When he got excited about a new vector of communication for us and our work, he and the team that he led just plowed ahead so relentlessly.”
    • [07:40]

Mentorship and Legacy

• Career Connections and Training:
  • Invested heavily in relationships across media; mentored hundreds if not thousands.
  • Notable alumni of his mentoring: YouTube’s Johnny Harris and Sam Ellis, both of whom began their careers at CSIS under Andrew’s guidance.
  • “He was an incredible mentor over those 20 years, not just to me, but to hundreds, probably thousands of people who passed through CSIS's doors.”
    • [09:00]
  • “He was an institution in and of himself here at csis.”
    • [10:24]

The Origin of This Podcast

• Andrew’s Vision:
  • The AI Policy Podcast was Andrew's idea—he encouraged Gregory to start it and rallied the production team.
  • “When I had ridiculous demands about emergency episodes…the only possible because of Andrew’s support and the team that he built…”
    • [11:42]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Andrew Schwartz literally shaped the course of my life… long before he and I even met.”
  — Gregory C. Allen ([04:23])

• “No one at CSIS has been more consistently supportive of me, my team, our work in the three years that I've been here… He was just so excited about everything that I've been trying to do.”
  — Gregory C. Allen ([05:00])

• “He was a legitimate trailblazer in the world of think tank communications. And this is a trail that he was blazing for 20 years.”
  — Gregory C. Allen ([03:00])

• “He was an institution in and of himself here at CSIS.”
  — Gregory C. Allen ([10:24])

• “I’m going to miss Andrew terribly. And I’m going to miss him not just because he was a great colleague, but because he was a great friend.”
  — Gregory C. Allen ([12:16])

Episode Timeline

• 00:00–01:20 — Introduction and announcement of the tribute episode
• 01:20–03:00 — Andrew’s transformation of think tank media and the start of CSIS’s digital journey
• 03:00–05:30 — Personal story: How Andrew’s work shaped Gregory’s early interests and career path
• 05:30–07:50 — Andrew’s supportiveness, approach to collaboration, and team-building at CSIS
• 07:50–09:45 — Andrew’s curiosity, adoption of AI for CSIS, and relentless pursuit of improvement
• 09:45–10:30 — Mentorship legacy: Notable mentees and impact across media careers
• 10:30–12:16 — Andrew’s role in launching this podcast; closing reflections on his friendship and influence
• 12:16–13:00 — Future of the podcast and a final message of gratitude

Closing & Looking Ahead

The episode closes with gratitude for Andrew’s enduring legacy and influence, both professional and personal. Gregory assures listeners the podcast will continue, honoring Andrew’s vision and commitment to innovation in policy communication. A special upcoming episode will feature a fireside chat with the White House OSTP Director—an event Andrew would have championed.

Summary prepared for those seeking to understand Andrew Schwartz’s unparalleled contributions and the future direction of the AI Policy Podcast.