American Geophysical Union Announces New Public Affairs Director

9 October 2013


Washington, D.C.—Alexandra Shultz has joined the American Geophysical Union (AGU) as the organization’s director of public affairs. Shultz is a senior policy specialist with extensive experience in strategic communications and grassroots campaigns as well as a broad knowledge of environmental, climate, and energy policy and science.

In her new position, Shultz will work to develop and implement a public affairs strategy designed to build recognition of and support for the value of the Earth and space sciences, including government advocacy, member engagement, media relations, and building relationships with agencies, the private sector, foundations and other key partners. She previously spent eight years at the Union of Concerned Scientists, where she most recently served as the legislative director for the climate and energy program.

“When we created this position, I knew that we needed someone with a strong background in legislation and policy analysis, and a wealth of experience leading grassroots advocacy efforts and building relationships on the Hill, and within the Administration and the various science agencies,” said Christine McEntee, AGU’s executive director/CEO. “Lexi’s expertise in these areas will be a major asset to AGU as we work to grow our public affairs program in the coming months and years. I am incredibly pleased to have her join the AGU team.”

Shultz added, “I’m excited to be joining the talented team at AGU and am looking forward to highlighting for policy makers the importance of Earth and space science to our country’s future, especially at a time when that science is threatened by budget cuts and other challenges.”

While at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Shultz was part of an effort to restore scientific integrity to the policy making process and then served in several roles within the climate and energy program.  As legislative director, she was responsible for directing a team of analysts and outreach and policy experts to convey resonant information about climate change to reporters, policy makers, and the public. She also worked to build and maintain strong congressional and administration relationships, analyze legislation and regulations, and recruit, train, and deploy experts.

Prior to her tenure at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Shultz served as director of legislative and regulatory affairs at the Mineral Policy Center (now Earthworks), and as a staff attorney at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (now Environment America). She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Vassar and her Juris Doctorate from Pace University Law School, with an emphasis on environmental law.

The American Geophysical Union is dedicated to advancing the Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity through its scholarly publications, conferences, and outreach programs. AGU is a not-for-profit, professional, scientific organization representing more than 62,000 members in 144 countries. Join our conversation on FacebookTwitter, YouTube, and other social media channels.

Contact: Joan Buhrman, +1 202 777 7509, [email protected]