International Rescue Committee Names Sharon Waxman VP for Public Policy and Advocacy

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sharon Waxman will join the International Rescue Committee in late August as Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy and Director of its Washington office.

"Sharon brings to us extensive experience at the highest levels of the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government and a reputation as an effective advocate for refugees and vulnerable populations worldwide," said George Rupp, IRC president.  "We are delighted that she will lead our efforts to ensure that these people in need are not forgotten."

Waxman has served in the U.S. State Department since 2009 as Deputy to the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.  Previously, she spent 11 years as Senior National Security Advisor to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and was the chief strategist for his successful efforts to address the humanitarian needs of Iraqis displaced by the 2003 war.  Earlier, she was associate staff to the Senate Appropriations Committee and a legislative assistant to Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg. 

Waxman was educated at the University of California, Berkeley and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.  She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. 

The IRC conducts humanitarian relief and development programs in over 40 countries and resettles refugees in the United States through a network of offices in 22 cities around the country.

Waxman succeeds Anne Richard, who resigned earlier this year to become Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.  

SOURCE International Rescue Committee