Photo / Courtesy American Heart Association
Whitney Parrish Perry
March 19, 2025
American Heart Association new hire brings a background in policy issues
The American Heart Association in Maine has hired a leader with a background in lobbying, policy issues and campaign management as the next government relations director.
In this role, Whitney Parrish Perry will maintain relationships with state legislators and other government officials.
The American Heart Association, founded in 1924, is dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. It focuses on research, public health policies and providing tools and information for prevention and treatment.
A lifelong interest
Perry told Mainebiz in an email she had always had an interest in government and policy.
"I was one of two students in my senior class to study government. We had to lobby a teacher to bring back AP government," said Perry.
Before going to college, she interned for Gov. John Baldacci in his constituent services office, where she learned about the relational side of this work and the different facets of the public policy world.
Perry studied Latin, Greek and literature at Smith College and the University of Southern Maine.
"Despite pursuing a classic education, I later became involved in the board of directors-level policy work for a statewide mental health services and advocacy organization, primarily because of my own lived experiences and those of people I love," said Perry.
"Policy work has allowed me to braid different skills and interests into a dynamic career path that focuses on making life better for everyone in our communities and is never ever boring," she continued.
About her career
Throughout her career, Perry has used her passion and interest to provide and sustain the health and wellness of all people, particularly those belonging to marginalized communities and groups.
Most recently, Perry served as executive and operations director of Maine Access Points and provided population health subject matter expertise and grant writing consultation to MaineHealth.
She has also previously served as a policy director at the Maine Women's Lobby, AIDS service organization Health Equity Alliance and Maine's Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations, where she also served as acting executive director.
"I've always had an interest in public and population health, especially as it relates to people who have more limited access to 'traditional' health care and services — rural living Mainers, those who struggle with access to care or are discriminated against and others," said Perry.
"That interest helped galvanize my choice to move into this role at the American Heart Association, an organization that I've long admired and believe makes a tangible and sustainable impact on the health and wellness of everyone in our communities," she added.
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