Kirsty Burkhart, J.D.

Director of Public Policy

Kirsty Burkhart is responsible for strategic communications planning and implementation, with an emphasis on Hershey|Cause nonprofit public policy work. With nearly 20 years experience integrating communication and policy, her clients include the California Immigrant Policy Center and the California HealthCare Foundation.

Most recently, Kirsty has implemented an integrated communications plan for the California Immigrant Policy Center. The launch included a new brand identity system for this nonprofit, framing and messaging, and web and print materials to support the Center's policy work across an array of areas, including healthcare, education, employment and social services. She also is responsible for the development of communications strategies for the California HealthCare Foundation's End-of-Life initiatives.

Kirsty gained her experience in public policy and communication strategies on various public awareness and social marketing campaigns, including award-winning anti-tobacco media campaigns where she managed media relations and coordinated efforts with community-based organizations. She has provided strategic counsel to an array of nonprofits and labor unions, providing effective communications plans and materials for numerous elections, contract and policy campaigns, including Los Angeles-area efforts to defeat anti-worker initiatives in the 2005 Special Election.

In addition to her past agency and consulting experience, Kirsty earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.