Lisa Gilbert Named Co-President of Public Citizen Alongside Robert Weissman

July 12, 2024

Lisa Gilbert Named Co-President of Public Citizen Alongside Robert Weissman

Washington, D.C. - Today, Public Citizen announced that Lisa Gilbert, a top democracy and consumer protection advocate currently serving as the organization's executive vice president, will be elevated to co-president of the organization alongside current president Robert Weissman.

Gilbert has been executive vice president of Public Citizen since 2020, having previously served as director of Public Citizen's Congress Watch and more recently as vice president of legislative affairs.

"Lisa is known throughout the policy community as a brilliant strategic mind, a master coalition builder, a powerhouse lobbyist, an expert across a broad range of policy areas and a genuine change maker," said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen."Together, and at a crossroads moment for America, we hope to make Public Citizen even more effective in advancing democracy and justice, health and a livable planet."

Throughout her career at Public Citizen, Gilbert has helped Public Citizen increase its connectivity and influence in a number of spheres - building and managing significant coalitions with partner organizations and forming deep connections on the Hill and in the administration. Among other coalitions, she founded and co-leads the 100-plus member Not Above the Law coalition, which pushes for accountability for former President Trump's rule of law abuses; founded the over 250-member Declaration for American Democracy coalition, which focuses on transformative federal legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act (H.R.1 and S.1); and runs the Clean Budget Coalition, a 120-plus member coalition that fights to keep poison pill policy riders out of the budget.

"There is growing awareness of the vital need for stronger public protections to rein in corporate power and I am thrilled to be taking this role on at such a critical moment, " said Lisa Gilbert. "Whether fighting bloated special interests, pushing democracy reforms, or ensuring that elected officials are held accountable under the law, Public Citizen is leading the charge to protect the interests of consumers, workers, and families."

Gilbert has consistently been named one of D.C.'s top lobbyistsby The Hill and was an under-40 rising star by Washington Life Magazine for 6 years. For the last two years, she has been included in the Washingtonian's list of DC's 500 most influential people.

Members of Congress celebrate Gilbert's announcement:

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

"I've long been glad to work side by side with Public Citizen and Lisa Gilbert, and it's great news that she will be helping lead the organization as co-president going forward. Now, more than ever, we need strong, strategic leaders like Lisa leading the fight to protect consumers and transform our economy to not just work for the wealthy and well connected, but for everyone."

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

"We are strongest when Lisa is in our corner. This is amazing news for Public Citizen and progressive organizing. Lisa has a proven track record of strategic prowess, creative approaches, and using her heartfelt belief in the progressive causes we work on to take on the powerful on behalf of the people. I look forward to continuing to work with the co-presidents and Public Citizen on the issues we all care about."

Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08)

"Congratulations to the excellent Lisa Gilbert on her well-deserved elevation to co-president at Public Citizen. Lisa is known far and wide as a passionate advocate for strong democracy, ethical government and a livable planet. I look forward to working with her seeing in this new leadership role."

Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03):

"Lisa's appointment as co-president of Public Citizen is a testament to her unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and the public good. Throughout her tenure, Lisa has been a fearless and progressive advocate for government accountability, financial reform, and consumer protection. She has earned widespread respect and admiration for her ability to convene a wide array of groups and grassroots organizations to her cause. Her leadership will undoubtedly elevate Public Citizen's mission and ensure that it continues to grow and uphold the highest standards of ethical governance, defend democracy, resist corporate power, and fight to ensure that government works for the people. I congratulate her and look forward to working with her in this new capacity."



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