Our Leadership
Candace McDonald
With over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, politics, and women’s health, Candace has raised over $50M for charities and start-ups and built strategic collaborations with Fortune 1000 companies, global brands, and influencers.
Previously, she served as an impact advisor, created partnerships for Birchbox, and led a national autism charity. Candace is also the creator of New Kids on the Block’s charity concert series and a frequent public speaker. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from California State Northridge and is a certified Holistic Health Coach.
Tony Lyons
Co-Founder & Co-Chairman of the Board, American Values 2024 & President & Publisher, Skyhorse Publishing. Tony Lyons is an attorney and president of Skyhorse Publishing. Founded in 2006, the independent book publisher has produced an eclectic and broad mix of work, from nature and sports to current events, politics, health, and fiction. Through its twenty-three imprints, Skyhorse boasts fifty-seven New York Times bestsellers and a 10,000 title backlist. Among its stable of authors is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Mark Gorton
Co-Founder & Co-Chairman of the Board, American Values 2024 & Chairman at Tower Research Capital.
Mark Gorton is the founder and Chairman of Tower Research Capital LLC, one of the leading computerized trading firms in the world. He was also the founder and CEO of the file-sharing company LimeWire. Gorton is a life-long advocate for livable streets, alternative transportation, and open government. He founded Open Plans in 1999 and is also a Founding Board Member of Reinvent Albany, a non-profit that seeks ethical New York government and fair elections.
Gorton is also the executive producer of the November 2022 documentary Four Died Trying, which explores the extraordinary lives and calamitous deaths of President John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy.
