Ben Yisrael, Ph.D
Seattle, WA
Summary
Dynamic public policy expert with extensive experience in strategic planning and grassroots coalition building. Proven track record in consulting and facilitation, successfully leading health equity initiatives. Adept at engaging diverse stakeholders and delivering impactful policy research to advance health equity.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Partner and Director of Public Policy
Elite Change, Inc
Houston
01.2021 - Current
- Providing public policy expertise to clients on policy and program proposals, and providing strategic support for clients during legislative sessions and issue campaigns.
- Directing outreach initiatives in Washington for TFK, establishing a coalition to stop the sale of flavored tobacco.
- Directed legislative strategies and advocacy efforts in Washington State for Elite Change.
Policy Fellow
Texas Southern University
Houston
01.2020 - Current
- Develops research on policing and prison reform.
- Represents the Center for Justice Research in public forums and media.
- Legislative research on policy equity.
Coordinator
Healthy King County Coalition
SEATTLE
01.2019 - Current
- Directed a coalition of over 40 organizations focused on health equity.
- Led the BUILD Health Seattle Program, fostering community-focused public policy and grassroots mentorship.
- Served as Co-Principal on CDC REACH Grant.
Community Liaison/Independent Contractor
City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
Seattle
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Facilitated outreach to African American, Latinx, and artist communities.
- Contributed to the Office of Film and Music's Nightlife Project, the Imagine Downtown Project, the City's Urban Forestry Plan, and Census 2020 Outreach.
- Coordinated multiple community forums for the Imagine Downtown and Urban Forestry Projects.
Policy Consultant
Center For Multicultural Health
Seattle
01.2016 - 03.2019
- Designed materials addressing the impact of Big Tobacco in disadvantaged groups.
- Delivered regular updates to organizational leadership on legislative and policy developments.
- Coordinating with staff on community outreach and programming.
District Staff
U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey
Fort Worth
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Led task force efforts in educational and faith-based programs.
- Represented the organization in economic development initiatives.
- Staffing the Congressman in the district, field representative for the Congressman.
- Collaborated with North Texas Elected Officials and their staff for effective programming.
- Crafted engaging speeches for the congressman's community gatherings.
Additional Experience
Multiple Organizations
DFW
01.2008 - 12.2012
- Managed North Texas field operations for Rick Noriega's Texas 2008 campaign.
- Conducted research on equity and representation at Texas A&M from Sep 2004 to 2011.
- Served on district staff for State Representative Marc Veasey in 2012.
Education
Ph.D. - Political Science
Texas A&M University
College Station 05-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas08-2002
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Policy Analysis
- Effective Stakeholder Engagement
- Legislative Affairs Consultant
- Meeting coordination
- Program Development
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Partner and Director of Public Policy
Elite Change, Inc
01.2021 - Current
Policy Fellow
Texas Southern University
01.2020 - Current
Coordinator
Healthy King County Coalition
01.2019 - Current
Community Liaison/Independent Contractor
City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
01.2018 - 01.2020
Policy Consultant
Center For Multicultural Health
01.2016 - 03.2019
District Staff
U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey
01.2013 - 01.2014
Additional Experience
Multiple Organizations
01.2008 - 12.2012
Ph.D. - Political Science
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University
Similar Profiles
Diana Nasieku NkereDiana Nasieku Nkere
Monitoring Efficiency Officer-Apprentice at Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry-State Department for Environment & Climate ChangeMonitoring Efficiency Officer-Apprentice at Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry-State Department for Environment & Climate Change
Diana Nasieku NkereDiana Nasieku Nkere
Monitoring Efficiency Officer-Apprentice at Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry-State Department for Environment & Climate ChangeMonitoring Efficiency Officer-Apprentice at Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry-State Department for Environment & Climate Change
Nulacha SutthinonthagulNulacha Sutthinonthagul
PR, Content Provider, and Journalism at Elite Plus Magazine and Elite Plus, Elite Creative co., LtdPR, Content Provider, and Journalism at Elite Plus Magazine and Elite Plus, Elite Creative co., Ltd