Laurel Haxton

Laurel Haxton serves as the Elizabth Dole Foundation's Community Engagement Manager, where she oversees the Hidden Heroes Cities & Counties program. In this role, Laurel implements and expands the program by engaging caregivers, community partners, and elected officials across the country. Prior to joining EDF, Laurel spent five years in the government relations and policy department at YMCA of the USA. As a Partnerships and Policy Specialist, she worked with members of Congress and national partners to advance the YMCA's federal policy priorities including passage of the Child Protection Improvements Act, Every Kid Outdoors Act, Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act, and the inclusion of 501(c)3 nonprofits in the Paycheck Protection Program. Laurel has facilitated partnerships, grants, and programs with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. National Park Service, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laurel graduated with a B.A. from Drake University, and has a partner currently serving the U.S. Navy.