Will advance key public policy initiatives to help animals
Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action (AWA) and the Animal Wellness brands are pleased to announce Penny Eastman has joined the group as Deputy Director of Federal Affairs. In her role, she will work to advance key federal legislative and regulatory efforts to achieve the nation’s most important policy goals for dogs, cats, horses, and other animals.
“Penny Eastman is a tremendously dedicated lobbyist with decades of administration, legislative, regulatory, and communications expertise,” said Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action. “We’re committed to advancing federal policies that protect the voiceless, and we’re glad that Penny is joining our team to help us accomplish that goal.”
Eastman previously served under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush in numerous senior positions including the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (DOT), Chief of Staff and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Social and Humanitarian Affairs, State Department and Deputy Press Secretary to the Secretary of Interior. Eastman served as Congressional Relations Officer for the Department of Commerce and Deputy Press Secretary for the Department of Transportation, she spent five years on Capitol Hill, bringing more than 25 years of government and lobbying experience to the AWA team.
Eastman has spent her life dedicated to the welfare of animals and people alike. She served on the board of directors of the Animal Welfare Institute and represented the organization before Congress, working primarily on anti-horse slaughter legislation. She is active with several local rescue groups including Homeward Trails and Pets Bring Joy. Eastman also serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for So Others Might Eat (SOME), a large homeless shelter in Washington, D.C. A native of Washington, D.C., Eastman has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Policy/International Affairs from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from Marymount University.