Experience

Allies for Children

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Education Policy Director

  • Sep 2017 - Present

  Provide leadership in development, management, and evaluation of an education advocacy and policy agenda as well as initiatives consistent with the strategic plan. Develop, engage, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including organizational staff, state and local education leaders, elected leaders, nonprofits providers, foundations, and other organizations. Monitor and disseminate information on legislative and administrative policies that impact the education and wellbeing of children and youth.



Allegheny Intermediate Unit

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Director of Legislative Policy and Advocacy

  • Mar 2012 - Aug 2017

  Serve as a liaison between the programs of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), the 42 school districts we serve, and state and federal agencies. Regularly advocate with local, state, and federal legislators on numerous issues including, charter school funding, pension reform, education mandates, special education, Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Community Based Family Centers, adult education, Head Start, Early Head Start, PreK Counts, property tax reform, funding for education and community based programs, Affordable Care Act, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and numerous other programs, policies, and initiatives that impact students, families, and communities.Develop and implement grassroots advocacy campaigns that lead to greater visibility in the community, meaningful policy, and appropriate funding. Draft testimony, letters, bill language, and other items as necessary on behalf of AIU officials and the school districts we serve. Forge and sustain relationships with key legislators, including those that represent Allegheny County in Harrisburg and Washington, DC. Participate regularly in meetings with outside stakeholders to represent the AIU and our legislative and strategic priorities. Regularly communicate with the media and other audiences to express the AIU's position on key pieces of legislation and the impact those policies will have on students, families, and school districts serviced by the AIU.Lead organizer in drafting and updating internal AIU policies and procedures.



Association for Career and Technical Education

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Advocacy Manager

  • Jan 2007 - Mar 2012

  Serve as the lead lobbyist for budget/appropriations issues, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act/Workforce Investment Act, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Congressional CTE Caucus, and educational information on career and technical education.Lobby on other pieces of legislation, such as Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Social Security GPO/WEP repeal initiatives, and the American Recover and Reinvestment Act.Coordinate and implement grassroots advocacy agenda with membership. Lead organizer of the Career and Technical Education Support Fund, a fundraising arm of the Association. Represent the Association's legislative positions at numerous events throughout the nation.



Council for Opportunity in Education

• United States
• Public Policy Offices
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Program Assistant

  • Jan 2005 - Sep 2006

  Interact daily with Members of Congress and Congressional staffers, coordinate and attend frequent meetings and visits to Capitol Hill.Organize the Annual Policy Seminar. Organize and oversee congressional briefings.Advise and motivate grassroots strategies.



Democratic National Committee

• United States
• Political Organizations
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Canvasser

  • Jul 2004 - Nov 2004

  Served as a canvasser for U.S. Presidential candidate John Kerry, raising over $1,000/ week by soliciting donations door-to-door.