Common Sense
Creating a Government Worthy of the People
Common Sense is a citizen-led, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to exploring how America can build a government that is more responsive, accountable, and prepared for the challenges of the future.
Why We Exist
The Constitution has guided America for nearly 250 years. It has provided a remarkable framework for self-government and individual liberty. At the same time, our nation continues to change, and as the nation has changed, we have amended the Constitution.
Today, in modern times, there is universal popular support for certain changes. Common Sense exists to unite Americans behind a slate of non-partisan improvements to our Constitution, to make our government more worthy of the people it serves.
Why a Constitutional Convention?
The Constitution specifies that it can be amended by Congress, and by the state legislatures. However, Congress has continually avoided potential widely-supported amendments. The Citizens Constitutional Convention (CCC) is intended to propose such amendments, vet them, approve them, and develop a grassroots campaign to get them ratified by Congress and the states.
By speaking with one unified voice, the product of an organized and representative convention, we can convince Congress to do the right things—the things the people want.
The Common Sense Team
Rob Wray
Executive DirectorNaval Academy graduate. Nuclear engineer. Author of two books. Adjunct professor. Retired two-star Navy admiral. Masters Degree from Georgetown University. Currently founder and CEO of a healthcare company outside Washington DC.
Butler Newman
SecretaryNaval Academy graduate and former nuclear propulsion officer. Leadership consultant and co-author of the award-winning business book The New Game Changers. Has advised organizations including FedEx, General Motors, HSBC, and AstraZeneca.
Shane Lease
TreasurerFinancial executive. Former CEO, founder, and CFO. Leadership roles at SmartThings, FierceMarkets, and Vapiano International. Partner with SAX Advisory Group helping organizations build scalable financial operations and drive growth.
Board Members
Jamie Barnett, J.D.
Board MemberRetired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. Former Deputy Commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and Chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Advises organizations on national security, emergency communications, and public safety.
Gregory Gause, Ph.D.
Board MemberProfessor emeritus of international affairs at Texas A&M University. Former faculty member at Columbia University and the University of Vermont. Author and Middle East policy expert. Doctorate from Harvard University.
Michael Rolli, MD
Board MemberPhysician, Army veteran, researcher, and healthcare executive. West Point and NYU School of Medicine graduate. Served in leadership roles during two combat deployments to Iraq and led Department of Defense research on traumatic brain injury.
Michael Browne
Naval Academy graduate, nuclear engineer. Ten years active duty on submarines, then a reservist, retiring as Rear Admiral. Simultaneously, 25 years as a senior manager at IBM, followed by 5 years as C-levels in high-tech startups. Masters from National Defense University.
Board Member
Ken Carodine
Board MemberCareer as a Coast Guard officer specializing in environmental engineering. Now a senior executive at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington. Masters Degree from Georgetown University.
Meridena Kauffman
Board MemberNaval Academy graduate and information technology executive. Former leader at UnitedHealthcare, Health Care Service Corporation, Citibank, and other Fortune 500 organizations. Published author of novels focused on naval service and technology.
Join the Conversation
Common Sense is not about sitting on the sidelines. If you believe America's future is worth discussing—and worth improving—we invite you to sign the petition, join the mailing list, and help shape the conversation.