Alison is an experienced leader with a strong track record in leading organizations, driving growth, and advising non-profit and for-profit organizations on the intersections of business and government. As the Chief Operating Officer at Michael Best Strategies, Alison leverages her experience to guide teams, implement efficient strategies, and serve clients in their engagement with local, state, and federal elected officials and the media. Throughout her career, Alison has successfully guided organizations through key phases of public policy development, growth and transformation, and building cultures of collaboration and performance.
Before joining Michael Best Strategies, Alison was the president and chief operating officer of the MKE 2024 Host Committee, leading efforts to elevate Milwaukee on the national stage and the successful execution of the RNC convention. Previously, Alison held the role of Vice President of External Relations at Ballotpedia where she was responsible for the strategic growth of revenue, partnerships, and outreach of the national non-profit. There she led multi-state operations, fostered partnerships with Fortune 500 organizations and policy organizations, and served as the national spokesperson. In addition, Alison also served as Principal at Resolute Consulting, where she guided clients in public relations, resource development, and strategy with a focus on positioning organizations for growth and advancement.
During her tenure as President of the Henry Vilas Zoological Society, Alison helped drive organizational excellence, launched new fundraising platforms, and built strategic partnerships that increased community visibility and financial stability by completing successive capital campaigns, building a diverse Board of Directors and support committees, and implementing successful public affairs and policymaking initiatives.
Alison’s diverse experience also includes senior roles with the American Cancer Society, where she spent 12 years leading government relations and major fundraising initiatives, securing partnerships and stakeholder engagement. Her career further spans government relations, stakeholder management, and public affairs, in roles working closely with high-profile leaders and elected officials on local, state, and federal levels. In addition to her professional achievements, Alison is recognized as a thought leader and public speaker, frequently contributing insights on growth strategies, leadership, and industry trends.