Ann Burroughs is the President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. She previously served as Executive Director of the Taproot Foundation and LA Works, and spent nine years at Amnesty International USA in roles including Deputy Western Regional Director and Media Director. Prior to that, she was Special Advisor to the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. As a consultant, Ann has worked with the Omidyar Network, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health. She is also a certified executive leadership and governance coach. She has over 25 years of experience working with leaders and organizations globally to advance racial justice and human rights.
Ann served as Chair of Amnesty International’s Global Assembly for three years and was on the board of Amnesty International USA for six years, including four as Chair and one as Treasurer. Currently, Ann serves as Chair of the Japanese American Confinement Sites Consortium and sits on the board of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation and the Advisory Council of the Mineta Simpson Institute. She also formerly served on the Mayor’s Volunteer Leadership Council for the City of Los Angeles.
Her lifelong commitment to racial justice and human rights stems from her experience as a young activist in South Africa, where she was jailed as a prisoner of conscience for opposing apartheid during the struggle for liberation. Amnesty International played a vital role in securing her release and ensuring her safety. Her debt to Amnesty International is inestimable.