The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today announced Allison Herwitt, currently HRC’s legislative director and a seven year veteran of the organisation, has been promoted to the position of Vice President for Government Affairs.
“Allison has been at the helm of our legislative team ushering in tremendous victories for our community like the passage of the hate crimes law and repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Her expanded role will catapult us to new heights as we press for inclusive workplace protections, ensure our schools are safe for all young people, and fully implement the historic decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.”
“As a straight ally, I bring a passion to this work so that my children can grow up in a world free of discrimination against all LGBT people,” said Herwitt. “With an amazing federal lobbying and legal team, HRC will continue to make a real difference in the lives of LGBT people.”
Prior to joining HRC, Herwitt spent eleven years at NARAL Pro-Choice America, first as a lobbyist and later as the Director of Government Relations. In those roles, she coordinated and enhanced legislative strategy, helping to position the organisation as the political arm of the pro-choice movement.
Previously, she served as a public policy advocate for New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, specialising in welfare reform, employment and child care issues. Herwitt also gained considerable political experience and first-hand knowledge of the legislative process during a six-year career on Capitol Hill with two women members of Congress, Representatives Marge Roukema and Susan Molinari. She played an instrumental role in shaping their legislative agendas in the areas of education, women’s health, reproductive health, economic equity and child care.
