Washington, DC—Today, American Atheists announced the hiring of Alison M. Gill to serve as National Legal and Public Policy Director. Alison will begin working with American Atheists in January. Alison will be based in American Atheists’ Washington, DC office.
Alison is an accomplished attorney and a nationally recognized expert on LGBTQ law. Before joining American Atheists, Alison worked as a consultant to foundations and nonprofits focusing on advocacy strategy and systemic change.
Prior her consultancy work, Alison served as Senior Legislative Counsel at the Human Rights Campaign where she managed state-level advocacy on issues such as conversion therapy, bullying prevention, education discrimination, LGBTQ health and wellness, youth homelessness, and LGBTQ data collection. Alison also worked as Government Affairs Director with The Trevor Project and as State Policy Manager with GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
“Alison brings experience, passion, and dedication to the cause of equality to American Atheists,” said David Silverman, President of American Atheists. “She has been on the front lines of the fight to pass legislation to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, particularly young people. Her work with local advocates and diverse coalitions around these issues has improved the lives of countless Americans. I look forward to working with her to elevate the voices of atheists in our nation’s political and cultural discourse.”
“I am so excited to join the staff of American Atheists,” said Alison, “particularly at this time when religion and the very concept of religious freedom is being misused to harm vulnerable communities. This is a critical moment for our nation, and American Atheists will be on the front lines to oppose religious bigotry and protect real religious freedom.”
Alison received her B.A. in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Rutgers University and her J.D. from George Washington University Law School. Alison is also active in her local community, serving on the board of Whitman-Walker Health, a nonprofit health center with a focus on HIV and LGBTQ care.
