March 29, 2023

Washington D.C. – Waxman Strategies is pleased to announce the promotion of three exceptional individuals within the firm. Jacqueline Cohen, Gina Drioane and Carl Leighty have been promoted to leadership positions in their respective practice groups. 

Jacqueline Cohen has been promoted to Senior Vice President in our Environment Practice. In her new role, Jacqueline will continue to lead with a focus on expanding the firm’s reach and impact in the areas of Environmental Justice and Toxic Pollution.  

“We are incredibly lucky to have Jackie and we congratulate her on her promotion,” says Managing Director, Michael Goo. 

Jacqueline has over a decade of experience in environmental negotiations and has championed a broad range of issues, including climate change, toxic pollution, and environmental justice. She has also led efforts to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act and increase access to safe and affordable drinking water. She holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a Science Bachelors in Applied Mathematics/Biology from Brown University. 

Gina Drioane has been promoted to Vice President of Health Communications. In her new role, Gina will lead communications and media efforts to advance societal health equity while serving as a thought partner to CEO Michael Waxman, Health Practice Managing Director, Jeremy Sharp, and other team leaders on the strategic and business direction of the practice. 

“Gina’s ability to translate complex health policy topics into meaningful messages allow both lawmakers and people across the country to better understand the decisions that impact health and wellbeing. From her leadership on reproductive health issues to her work on HIV/AIDS and nutrition, Gina gives a voice to pressing health issues that affect millions,” says Senior Vice President, Claire McAndrew.  

Prior to joining Waxman Strategies, Gina served as an Associate Director of Federal Policy & Advocacy Media at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she oversaw communications strategy and execution for congressional, administrative, and federal judicial issues. She received her Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Davis.  

Carl Leighty has been promoted to Vice President of our Environment Practice. In his new role, Carl will integrate environmental outreach work and serve as a thought partner on the strategic and business direction of the practice and manage and mentor staff for development and growth. 

“Carl’s leadership is essential to the success of our practice, and we are excited and grateful that he will now be serving as Vice President,” says Managing Director, Michael Goo. 

Before joining Waxman Strategies, Carl worked at AJW Inc., a government affairs firm located in Washington, DC where he worked on a similar portfolio of clean energy and environment issues. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia.