Anthony Shop, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Social Driver, has been selected for the prestigious Zhi-Xing China Eisenhower Fellowship Program.

Shop is an internationally recognized digital strategist and entrepreneur. As an Eisenhower Fellow he will pursue an individual project focused on digital media and engage in transformative exchanges of knowledge and ideas with leading thinkers in their respective fields.

"While the entire world is affected by the digital revolution, the landscapes in the United States and China are different as a result of distinct cultures, systems of government and technology sectors," Shop said. "At the same time, both peoples are grappling with many of the same issues, ranging from the benefits of instant communication to the risks of fast-spreading misinformation."

Social Driver, named the 7th fastest growing marketing agency in the U.S. by Agency 100, has developed expertise in helping companies monitor and manage their reputations in the digital age. Its portfolio of expertise includes developing the widely-covered "State of the Union Social Media War Room," collaborating with Harvard's School of Dental Medicine to produce research on "Digital Pandemics of Public Health Misinformation" in the American Journal of Public Health, helping Goodwill combat false rumors online, and working with American Dental Association to dispel misinformation about community water fluoridation.

Shop is one of nine American leaders chosen for the honor; this year's fellows are government, private sector and civil society leaders. The recruitment and selection of the fellows was supported by seven steering committees composed of local leaders and fellows who embody the organization's principles.

Through meetings with leading experts and leaders across multiple cities in China, Shop will compare how this quickly-evolving society is managing the same exciting opportunities and new challenges presented by digital transformation at home. "This amazing opportunity will build on the lessons we've learned growing Social Driver into a leading digital agency that helps our clients connect with people today through social media, websites and video," Shop said. "I look forward to sharing what I learn with my clients, colleagues and counterparts."

A former journalist and press secretary, Shop was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club's Board of Governors. His views on the future of marketing have been featured by the BBC, CBS, Middle East Broadcasting Network, Voice of America and USA Today. He is a frequent speaker and has been featured at conferences across the globe, from Singapore and London to New York and Miami.

Shop earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he now teaches as an adjunct lecturer. He serves as a Global Ties Foundation board member, a People to People International trustee and LearnServe International advisory board chairman.

General Colin L. Powell (USA, Retired), chairman, Eisenhower Fellowships, noted the diverse and dynamic backgrounds of the new fellows. "We are pleased to provide this group of exceptional American young leaders the unique opportunity to meet with influential leaders across the world to expose them to new ideas, grow professionally and enhance international understanding," General Powell said.