Upturn Announces Executive Director Transition

October 8, 2025

After nearly 15 years of leading Upturn, Harlan Yu plans to step down from his role as Executive Director in June 2026.

Under Harlan’s leadership, Upturn has established itself as a strong and principled organization fighting for racial, economic, and social justice through the lens of technology. Since its early days, Upturn has played an important role supporting civil rights and racial justice groups in grappling with the material harms caused by new technologies, in areas such as housing, jobs, credit, policing, and in the criminal courts.

“When we started the organization in 2011, we were just beginning to see the ways that new technologies were shaping people’s everyday lives. But the struggles we’re engaged in now feel pivotal to protecting the safety and dignity of our communities,” said Harlan Yu. “As I prepare to depart Upturn, I feel proud of how we’ve continued to evolve with the rapidly changing political, social, and technological terrain. I feel a deep appreciation for my staff and board, and our many partners, funders, and allies, who have been so committed to our work together over the years, and who I’ve learned an incredible amount from. It’s been a privilege building Upturn into the organization it is today and I’m excited to see how Upturn continues to grow with a new leader.”

Over the years, Upturn has conducted rigorous research and coordinated advocacy on a wide range of issues, including law enforcement surveillance, pretrial risk assessment, online ad discrimination, payday lending, tenant screening, employer hiring practices, state public benefits determinations, and more. Its multidisciplinary work — in close partnership with many organizations and communities — has shaped national and local policy fights, litigation outcomes, corporate practices, and research and advocacy agendas across the field.

“Harlan built something rare at Upturn, an organization that investigates how technology actually functions in people’s lives. From payday lending to tenant screening systems, the work doesn’t always make headlines but it shapes whether someone can get housing or find work. He did it by creating a culture where every staff person feels ownership over Upturn’s future, leading with humility and conviction,” said Steven Renderos, Upturn Board member and MediaJustice’s Executive Director. “Change is hard, but it’s healthy. In the search for a new Executive Director, we’ll be looking for someone humble enough to let the team keep growing, with the vision to help Upturn navigate what’s ahead. Communities need technologists who can translate how these systems work into action. That’s what Upturn does, and that’s what Upturn will continue to do.”

The search for Upturn’s next Executive Director will begin immediately. The position is now open and the deadline to apply will be on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Upturn is seeking a visionary leader with a commitment to advancing equity and justice at the intersection of technology to serve as our next Executive Director. The ideal candidate brings experience with institutional fundraising, a collaborative leadership style and approach, and demonstrated experience working in social change organizations. For more information, please see the job description here. 

The Executive Director transition and search process will be led and supported by Anjan Chaudhry, an organizational development consultant retained by Upturn. For questions about the search and the role, please reach out to Anjan at edtransition@upturn.org.