Nathan Friedman

Nathan leads the strategy, research, marketing,communications, content, creative, and advancement functions for Understood.org. He brings 25 years of experience in building iconic brands and leading teams through complex operational challenges to his role as Co-President and Chief Marketing Officer.
He began his career at Ogilvy, where he held numerous roles, including managing director of its Chicago office, and global account leader. In his last role, he led the firm’s four-office West Coast operation. Previous roles include general manager of a mid-sized agency and president of a strategic branding and marketing consultancy for startups in the social impact space. 
Nathan serves on the 4As Foundation Board of Directors and previously served on the Board for the Point Foundation – the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ scholarship fund. He is a member of the Wall Street
Journal CMO Network, Fast Company Impact Council, and has received several recognitions for his contributions to the industry, including being named as a Notable Leader in Advertising, Marketing, and PR and an Honoree for Campaign Magazine’s 40 Over 40.
He is a passionate neurodivergent leader residing in New York City and has two school-aged children.