Voices in Advocacy Podcast

Running a medical association comes with many challenges. Today’s guest confronts these challenges head on while leading this community with advocacy in an ever-changing world.

"The voices of those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions are really the strongest in the room, without a doubt." - Adam Levy, CAE

ABOUT the GUEST

Adam Levy is the Executive Director of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. An experienced association executive and career nonprofit professional, Adam previously served as the Deputy and Interim Executive Director of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, and held roles at the National Restaurant Association, and SmithBucklin. He serves on the Board of Directors of Association Executives of North Carolina, and the Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee of ASAE. Adam was a recipient of Association Forum’s “Forty Under 40” award in 2022, and holds his CAE from ASAE. Adam is passionate about healthcare access and equity, in addition to mentorship and leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Indiana University and completed the Strategic Leadership Program at Northwestern University. A native Chicagoan and Michael Jordan devotee, Adam lives in Chapel Hill with his wife and twin daughters, and their loving rescue dog, Mason.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

AtVoices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Nine years ago, life threw our next guest a curve ball when she learned during her pregnancy that her baby would be born with a facial birth defect. Come with us as we learn about her fascinating journey that has led her to help other families by speaking out as an author and advocate.

ABOUT the GUEST

Amy Mendillo, MM, MPP, is a writer, author, and advocate. She has worked as a consultant on state-level (RI) Medicaid and social service issues, an advocate for local- and city-level policy, and as a writer-editor for the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Brown University.

Amy started as a professional classical musician, studying oboe at the Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern University. Described as “prodigious” by the Chicago Tribune, Amy played in professional symphony orchestras in Chicago, Milwaukee, and New York City, then taught music at Brown University for ten years.

A proud cleft parent and adoptive parent, Amy lives with her family in Providence, RI.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

AtVoices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Join us as we explore the importance of advocating with today’s guest - the Director of Advocacy Engagement for the well-known organization – who is committed to supporting policies and initiatives that make a positive impact on the lives of children and adults living with neuromuscular diseases.

ABOUT the GUEST

Mark Fisher is the Director of Advocacy Engagement at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In this role, Mark leads MDA’s grassroots program and advocacy volunteer efforts. He works to empower advocates and connect them with key decisionmakers in order to advance public policies that improve the lives of the neuromuscular disease community. He previously served as the Digital Grassroots Manager at the American Heart Association and was also a field organizer on a U.S. Senate campaign. Mark earned his Master of Public Policy from American University and is originally from Pittsburgh, PA.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

AtVoices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today we speak to the leader of an organization that has received more than $250 million dollars voluntarily from the nation’s leading distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking and promote responsible decisions about beverage alcohol. Stay tuned as we learn about their dedication to advocacy.

ABOUT the GUEST

Chris Swonger serves as the President & CEO of both the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org. Responsibility.org was founded in 1991 and has received more than $250 million dollars voluntarily from the nation’s leading distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking and promote responsible decisions about beverage alcohol. DISCUS is the leading voice for distilled spirits in the U.S. market and serves as the industry’s advocate in state capitals, the nation’s capital and foreign capitals around the globe.

Chris has extensive experience guiding corporations to lead in business while playing a positive role in communities through proactive engagement. In this capacity, Chris focuses on breaking down the traditional barriers that exist between corporations, non-government organizations and activist groups by facilitating consensus-based outcomes which are deliverable, actionable and measurable.

A native Texan, Chris received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and lives in McLean, Virginia, with his wife Amy and their two sons Holden and Beckett Boone.

Chris’ favorite drink? Bourbon on the rocks.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

AtVoices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today we speak to the leader of an organization that empowers young adults to advocate for higher education, health care, and economic policies.

ABOUT the GUEST

Kristin McGuire is the Executive Director for Young Invincibles. Kristin assumes this role having most recently served as YI West Regional Director, where she empowered young adults to advocate for higher education, health care, and economic policies. Kristin brings years of community organizing and policy change expertise to her role as Executive Director. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household – she is driven by a deep understanding of the needs of under-resourced communities and has helped shift power to young adults from these communities over the last decade.

Kristin’s accomplishments include shaping policies that do just that, such as the College Student Hunger Relief Act, the California Student Borrowers’ Bill of Rights, and the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act. Currently, Kristin is leading the national charge to cancel student debt. Keeping true to her commitment to civic engagement, Kristin is the first African-American elected to the school board in Covina. While very proud of her work, Kristin's most prized accomplishment is not her own, it is her mother’s, who integrated her school in Alabama at the age of seven. Kristin is a proud alumna of California State University Dominguez Hills, wife, mother, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

AtVoices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Whistleblowers have been at the top of the news lately. Today’s special guest is the founder of the leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting and rewarding whistleblowers around the world. You do not want to miss this episode as we explore the importance of advocating for stronger whistleblower protection laws and educating the public about whistleblowers’ critical role in protecting democracy and the rule of law. 

ABOUT the GUEST

Stephen M. Kohn is a founder and Chairman of the Board at the National Whistleblower Center (NWC) and founding partner of Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto LLP. Steve is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading qui tam and whistleblower attorneys, and is an active voice in the whistleblower community, having helped draft key whistleblower legislation and regulatory rules. Steve has led a handful of pro bono efforts, and is currently supporting the push to make National Whistleblower Day permanent via a Presidential Executive Order.     He is the author of the first legal treatise on whistleblowing and is the world’s most published author on whistleblower protection. His most recent book is Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right (Lyons Press 2023).

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Today’s guest is the Grassroots and Constituent expert for the well-known organization - whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Join us as we explore the importance of advocating for our wounded servicemen and women.

ABOUT the GUEST

Justin Beland serves as WWP’s Grassroots and Constituent Affairs Director where he utilizes 23 years of experience in grassroots advocacy, public policy, and creating innovative engagement strategies. He has previously worked on behalf of veterans at organizations like the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Children’s Hospital Association. In addition, Justin has designed government relations and grassroots campaigns for a broad range of issues that serve the public good. He worked with Congress to increase support of federal funding for prostate cancer research, increased access to treatment options for people with opioid addiction, and created a nationwide program led by the country’s Lieutenant Governors to increase heart health. He also serves on the Alexandria (Virginia) Commission on Persons with Disabilities, and the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. He earned a B.A. in Communications and a B.S. in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University. He is a native of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a die-hard Red Sox fan.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Today we speak to the CEO of an organization that is the influential, unified voice of the vibrant creative arts community in New Jersey. Stay tuned as we learn about their dedication to arts advocacy.

ABOUT the GUEST

As President & CEO, Adam Perle manages all ArtPride operations. He leads the senior management team and is responsible for resource development, as well as fiduciary oversight. Prior to joining ArtPride, Adam was the Vice President of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he led membership and tourism marketing efforts. During his time at the Chamber, Adam was a key part of the leadership team that doubled the size of the organization and was instrumental in the expansion of the Princeton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau. Before his work in the nonprofit sector, Adam worked on several political campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.

Adam is a lover of Mark Rothko, 20th century American theatre, landscape photography, the blues, and New Orleans jazz. When he is not enjoying a New Jersey craft beer, or rooting for his beloved New York Giants, you can find Adam encouraging his two budding performers, Alexis and Marley. A lifelong New Jersey resident, Adam resides in Bridgewater with his wife, Mandi. The couple started dating at summer camp while they were opposing color war generals.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Our guest today is a farmer, and not just any farmer, Chris Hoffman is the President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and a member of the Board of Directors at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Join us as we explore the importance of advocating for our nation's food supply, after all its what's for dinner.

ABOUT the GUEST

Chris Hoffman owns and operates Lazy Hog Farm, a 1,400 sow farrow to wean, 4,800-head nursery barn and 4,400-head finishing barn located in Juniata and Mifflin counties, Pennsylvania. He also owns and operates Lazy Chick Farm, raising 250,000 chickens annually.

Hoffman was elected as the ninth President of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau in 2022. As President he also serves as the chair of the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation, a charitable organization supported by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Additionally, Hoffman was elected to American Farm Bureau Federations Board of Directors in January of 2023.

Hoffman was selected to serve on Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s State Board of Directors in 2006, and was selected to serve on the board’s Executive Committee in 2008.

He was chosen to serve as Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Vice President in 2014. In 2013, Hoffman was selected to lead a new committee within Pennsylvania Farm Bureau—the Agriculture Promotion Committee—which encourages local programs that engage consumers with agriculture, and also raises money for the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation.

He was appointed to chair the American Farm Bureau Federation Promotion & Education Committee in 2014. In 2015, he was elected by the state’s agricultural societies to the Board of Trustees at Penn State, the Commonwealth’s land grant university.

He previously chaired Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Management Advisory Board, and is a past board director of the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council. He is also a member of PennAg Industries Association.

He and his wife, Selina, have four children and three grandchildren. Along with spending time with family, in his few hours of leisure time, Hoffman likes to golf, fish, hunt and play indoor soccer and flag football.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Today we speak with the Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Congressman 'GT' Thompson. As we learn more about the FARM Bill and the importance of constituent engagement.

ABOUT the GUEST

Chairman Glenn 'GT' Thompson is the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers and lifelong resident of Howard Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, Thompson represents Pennsylvania’s Fifteenth District.

As a proud and active Member of the House Committee on Agriculture for more than a decade, Thompson formerly served as Ranking Member of the full committee during the 117th Congress and as Vice Chairman during the 116th Congress. He’s also served as Chairman of the Subcommittees on Conservation and Forestry and Nutrition, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Prior to being elected to Pennsylvania’s Fifteenth District, Thompson spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and a licensed nursing home administrator.

Thompson is a proud graduate of Penn State and Temple University, where he earned a B.S. and a Master of Education, respectively. He and his wife, Penny Ammerman-Thompson, have three adult sons; Parker, Logan, and Kale, and two grandchildren; Noem and Gabriel.

Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you.

https://www.rapindex.com

This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy.

Contact Voices In Advocacy at:

www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com

480 488-9150

At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates