PHI Names Daniel Rutherford Wilson to Direct Federal Policy Program
Daniel Rutherford Wilson will be joining the staff at PHI on September 21 as the new director of federal affairs.
Wilson brings more than a decade of experience leading efforts to advance federal policy that betters the lives of disenfranchised older Americans. Most recently he served as the national and federal programs director at Compassion & Choices, a national organization that protects and expands end-of-life options.
For 10 years, Wilson was the executive director of policy and program development at the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, where he worked on federal issues related to housing, employment, and health care for low-income, black older adults.
Wilson has also held positions as a public affairs officer with the Office of Management and Budget and staff assistant for Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY).
A respected national advocate on aging and long-term care issues, Daniel is also a co-chair of the 2016 Aging in America Conference, the premier annual gathering for aging professionals, sponsored by the American Society on Aging.
“We are delighted Daniel Wilson is joining PHI to represent the voices of direct-care workers in Washington and ensure that paid caregivers receive the compensation, training, and supports they need to provide the quality care we all deserve,” said Robert Espinoza, PHI vice president of policy.
“Daniel’s wealth of experience and dedication to advocating for older Americans will be a tremendous asset to PHI’s renowned policy and research program. He arrives at a pivotal time when members of Congress and other federal officials are grappling with ensuring that our long-term care system has the necessary workforce to support millions of older adults and people with disabilities,” Espinoza said.
PHI’s policy agenda stands at the intersection of low-income workforce development and eldercare/disability services.
“I’m excited to join PHI and lead its timely and essential federal policy agenda in support of the direct-care workforce and, ultimately, the quality of care for older adults and people with disabilities,” Wilson said.
Daniel Wilson will be based in PHI’s Washington, DC office.
— by Deane Beebe