Joan Gerhardt

Joan Gerhardt has served as NYSCADV’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy since 2018. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating and enhancing policy and advocacy initiatives necessary for NYSCADV's continued success and growth. She formulates policy positions through coordinated discussion and input with NYSCADV members and key stakeholders; analyzes and monitors policy issues affecting domestic violence survivors and their children; provides training and technical assistance for members on the legislative process; and develops communications materials to support NYSCADV's public policy, educational and training efforts. She also chairs NYSCADV’s Legislative Committee. Prior to joining NYSCADV, Joan served as Vice President at Behan Communications, a public affairs firm in Albany and Glens Falls, for 20 years. Joan also worked in the New York State Assembly, counseling members on their legislative, communications and political agendas and at The Daily Journal, a former newspaper in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as a crime beat reporter. Joan holds an MA in Newspaper Journalism from New York University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Rochester.