Name:
Brian T Shankman
AIPAC Role:
Chief Strategic Director of National Affairs
Professional Profile/Associations:
AIPAC Chief Strategic Director of National Affairs, leading the organization's national strategic initiatives and donor development programs. According to AIPAC's 2023 Form 990, received total compensation of $753,891, including a $22,500 contribution to AIPAC's 457(f) supplemental executive retirement plan. Holds a B.A. in History and Judaic Studies from Indiana University Bloomington (1990–1994) and an M.A. in International Security Studies and Conflict Resolution from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University (2001–2003). Listed as a notable alumnus of Indiana University's Borns Jewish Studies Program. Career AIPAC professional since 1995—now spanning 30 years—progressing from Director to Mid-Atlantic Regional Director (2007–2013) to Director of Regional Affairs and Development (2013–2021) before assuming his current role in 2021. Describes himself on LinkedIn as a "Passionate Zionist".. Oversaw AIPAC's national fundraising operation for over a decade. Authors AIPAC donor solicitation letters urging contributions to pass billions in security funding for Israel and pressure Congress on Iran policy.
The information in these profiles is drawn primarily from AIPAC's most recent IRS Form 990, supplemented by publicly available sources including news reports, official announcements, and public records. As a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, AIPAC is legally required to file Form 990 annually with the Internal Revenue Service, and these filings are public documents.
However, IRS regulations allow organizations up to eleven months after their fiscal year ends to submit these forms, meaning publicly available data typically lags by approximately one year. This inherent delay underscores why AIPAC—like most major organizations of its size and influence—should maintain a current, public-facing leadership page identifying its board members and senior executives. The absence of such transparency from AIPAC necessitates this project. We are committed to accuracy and will update these profiles as new information becomes available. If you have corrections, updates, or additional sourced information, please contact us at advocacy@dawnmena.org.
