The New York AIDS Coalition (NYAC) announcedthat, on Nov. 2, Brittany Allen will be joining the organization as its new Executive Director. Brittany comes to NYAC after almost a decade of experience in public health policy, community service, and government relations. “We are excited that Brittany is joining the New York AIDS Coalition to lead the organization’s efforts to organize the collective power of community-based organizations and individuals all across New York State,” said Arnold S. Cohen, Board Chair of NYAC and President & CEO of the Partnership for the Homeless. “She will be instrumental in working with all stakeholders to create a progressive advocacy agenda to ensure fair and equitable policies for those affected by HIV and AIDS,” said Cohen. “We’re especially pleased that Brittany joins us at this critical time in our city and nation as our economic crisis continues to devastate so many communities of need,” he added. Brittany joins NYAC after working as a program coordinator for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Planning Council. During December 2003 to April 2007, Brittany served as an Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene where she was responsible for analyzing and developing positions on City, State and Federal legislation. And during the 2006 Ryan White reauthorization, Brittany drafted and finalized New York City’s recommendations to ensure that high quality resources and services were still in place for persons with HIV and AIDS. Brittany also has experience in bringing communities together, where, for example, she worked with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control to build community and political support for an expansion of syringe exchange programs in Queens. And finally, on a personal note, Brittany first came to New York City at the age of 16 as a scholarship student at the Joffrey Ballet and then moved to the city permanently to work full-time as a trainee at the Joffrey. Following that experience, Brittany attended Columbia University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree with a focus on Latin American Studies and Political Science. “I am pleased to be joining NYAC to help lead the organization as a catalyst for bringing together the diverse voices of those individuals and community organizations from around the New York State,” said Brittany. “By partnering with like-minded organizations and other important community leadership, we can mobilize a movement that will make a real policy difference throughout our state and nation.”