WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts announced today that Joel Wiginton will join the organization as senior vice president for government relations, effective July 25. In this role, Wiginton will help shape and execute Pew’s nonpartisan and evidence-based strategies to advance policy solutions that serve the public.
Wiginton comes to Pew from The Raben Group, where he was a principal in the firm’s government affairs and policy counsel practice. There, he advised nonprofit, foundation, and corporate clients on legal and policy issues at the state, federal, and global levels.
“I’m excited to welcome Joel to our leadership team. He brings extensive government affairs experience and a passion for public service,” said Susan K. Urahn, Pew’s president and chief executive officer. “Joel will play a key role in our efforts to build common ground and craft innovative policy solutions, using data to make a difference for individuals and communities.”
Wiginton has 25 years of experience as a government relations and public affairs leader. He started his career in telecommunications law and then moved into government service, first as chief counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee and then as special assistant for legislative affairs in the Clinton administration. Prior to joining The Raben Group, he worked in senior government affairs, policy, and regulatory affairs roles with companies including Sony Corporation of America, Samsung Electronics, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.
Wiginton earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and speech communications from Macalester College and a law degree from The University of Chicago Law School.