FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sep 01, 2022

Tess Mason-Elder appointed to lead AmeriCorps’ state and federal government engagement for national service 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, has selected Tess Mason-Elder as government relations director. In alignment with the agency’s strategic plan, Mason-Elder will lead the agency’s congressional and intergovernmental affairs team. 
 
Mason-Elder has supported AmeriCorps efforts in political advocacy, coalition building, partnership development and national service awareness to address a diverse range of domestic policy priorities since 2015.

Prior to joining AmeriCorps, Mason-Elder served as a senior policy analyst at Civic Enterprises, a social enterprise firm, where she worked on national service, civic engagement and education policy. She has served in several positions in government administrations including assistant deputy Secretary of State for Voter Education and Outreach Services in California. She also served as executive fellow and legislative affairs associate at CaliforniaVolunteers, the governor-appointed state service commission.

"Tess is a life-long public servant and long-time AmeriCorps leader with a wealth of experience in government relations and national service," said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. "As a part of President Biden's bipartisan efforts, AmeriCorps remains focused on connecting our programs with leaders in every state and territory. I am confident that Tess’ expertise will help AmeriCorps further strengthen its whole-of-government approach to national service and make a lasting impact for years to come." 

“I am honored to join the Biden-Harris Administration in this role,” said Tess Mason-Elder, AmeriCorps Government Relations director. “National service has a long history of bipartisan support at the federal, state and local levels. I look forward to building on this rich legacy to work with our elected leaders, national service champions and agency leaders to ensure national service is accessible to all Americans who wish to serve.”

AmeriCorps has a decades-long commitment to addressing barriers to national service and collaborating with bipartisan administrations in city, state and federal governments. The AmeriCorps Office of Government Relations will continue to collaborate with elected officials to make service to others an indispensable part of the American experience and help those in need. Learn more about AmeriCorps' mission and key priorities.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.