Scott Reich, J.D.

Scott Reich studies and writes about presidential history and communication. The author of The Power of Citizenship: Why JFK Matters to a New Generation, his work focuses on how rhetoric is used to inspire action.

Scott Reich is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and attorney.

A native New Yorker, Reich first practiced law at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where he represented companies and investment funds in their corporate affairs. He later co-founded an online food business aimed at creating a more sustainable local food system. Reich is Vice President & Senior Counsel at American Express, where he supports the company's innovation strategies and emerging products.

Reich’s book, The Power of Citizenship: Why JFK Matters to a New Generation (BenBella Books, 2013), examines President Kennedy’s emphasis on public service and how his legacy can be used to increase civic engagement today. He has lectured nationally and has appeared on many local and national media outlets, including NBC, CBS, Fox, MSNBC, Bloomberg, and Larry King Now.

Reich is president and co-founder of Believe in a Cure, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation working to find and fund a cure for FOXG1 Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that impacts his young son, Eli.

He serves on the boards of several non-profit institutions, including the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. In 2010, he was appointed by former NY Governor David Paterson to serve on the College Council of SUNY-Old Westbury. While an undergraduate at Penn, Reich received the Eisenhower Award for the outstanding thesis in Annenberg’s Communication and Public Service program. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he was president of his class.