A passionate people leader with decades of experience in the progressive movement, Betsy Miller Kittredge joined AFJ in 2022 as Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff.
With her unique skillset — spanning tenures as SVP of Human Resources and Operations at Bonterra, a company whose database platforms are used by thousands of nonprofits; Managing Director at PowerSwitch Action; and Research and Outreach Director for the U.S. Committee on Education and Labor — she is an expert at building the robust internal infrastructure necessary for nonprofits to achieve their missions.
Heading into this new chapter of AFJ, we’re glad to have Betsy at the helm, ensuring that AFJ is equipped to meet the moment and pursue our vision of a vibrant, multiracial constitutional democracy, with justice for all.
Strategic, strong, and determined. We have an amazing staff of experts who are committed to our mission, and a strategic plan keeping us on track to achieve our goals.
By far, my colleagues are my favorite part of the job. I appreciate working with this group of people who are so committed to AFJ’s vision and who work so earnestly together. Plus, they’re fun! The organization has gone through a lot of growth and change over the past few years, and every single person on staff has played a part in creating an organization I’m proud to work for.
I’ve been part of the progressive movement long enough to have felt sheer disappointment and even devastation a number of times when we experienced losses. But what I’ve noticed is that our losses never quite bring us back to square one. Every fight we take on sets a new baseline for the country. Rights that seemed unattainable 30 years ago, such as marriage equality, are now the standard we’re protecting.
We have our work cut out for us, for sure, in this politically divided climate with an unaccountable and flawed Supreme Court, but that’s the nature of democracy. AFJ’s work building coalitions, training nonprofits, and harnessing their collective power is so critical. I find hope by reminding myself that we must stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and continue pushing forward toward a just and equitable world for every one of us. We cannot afford to give up.
I live in Silver Spring, MD now, but I really enjoy disappearing into the trails of Rock Creek Park. I even drive through the park instead of driving down 16th Street any chance I get. It’s very grounding to have such a beautiful green space right in the middle of the city. Another place I go to clear my mind is Yoga Heights DC in Takoma Park. I’m a new convert to yoga, and the instructors have been very welcoming.