NNA Welcomes First Director of Policy and Advocacy - Elisabeth Coats
Elisabeth Coats Joins NNA From U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations
The National NeighborWorks Association (NNA) the trade association for NeighborWorks organizations across the country, today announced the hiring of its first Director of Policy and Advocacy, Elisabeth Coats.
Prior to joining NNA, Coats worked as a professional staff member to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. During her time on Appropriations, she specialized in affordable housing, homeless assistance, and community development issues.
Prior to moving to Washington, DC, Elisabeth pursued her Master in Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis where she developed a passion for political advocacy while serving fellowships at entities such as the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis, the Community Builder’s Network of St. Louis, and the Missouri State Legislature.
“NNA is excited to fill this new position with someone with the extensive knowledge of federal policy, of the needs of our nation’s communities and of the path to successful advocacy to work across the aisles and across the chambers to meet the two,” stated Lou Tisler, Executive Director of NNA. “Elisabeth brings a passion to this new position that will positively affect our members’ relevancy and impact.”
Elisabeth was born and raised near Minneapolis, MN, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University in St. Paul where she majored in Psychology and Political Science. She resides in central DC, and her one year-old puppy takes up the vast majority of her free time.
“I am excited to join the team at NNA. I look forward to being a convener between the 235 NNA member organizations, Congressional offices, government agencies, and other thought leaders,” stated Coats. “I look forward to bringing additional affordable housing and community development resources to our communities through federal advocacy and strategic coalition-building to advance NNA’s policy goals.”