#AdvocacyMatters: Familiar Faces

March 27, 2026

Phone calls, letters, emails, and social media movements can all be helpful tools in helping to shape and affect policy, but in-person contact and face-to-face meetings with policymakers most often create clearer understanding, inspire meaningful questions and answers, and build bridges between different positions. When these meetings are organized between several organizations sharing similar messages, their impact can be magnified.

Last month, DRO Board Member Georgie Elson and Policy Director Brittanie Maddox joined a cohort of folks representing Protection & Advocacy agencies from all over the country in Washington, D.C. to educate Congressional members on the importance of the P&A system. Georgie and Brittanie met with four different offices to educate members on the work of DRO and the assistance we provide for Ohioans with disabilities. Georgie discussed the importance of continued funding for organizations like ours. Georgie's lived experience make them the perfect messenger to represent our board and share all the vital work DRO does.

"Traveling to DC is always an amazing experience," Brittanie reflected. "I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with such knowledgeable, fierce advocates."

You may have noticed a familiar name and title change. Brittanie Maddox has been promoted to DRO's new Policy Director, after spending nearly 3 years as the organization's Community Engagement and Advocacy Specialist.

"Working for DRO over the past few years has been such a great experience," she said. "I am beyond honored for the opportunity to take on the role of Policy Director!"
She previously worked at a Center for Independent Living closely monitoring legislation, engaging with legislators and community members to advocate for positive systemic change, and created reports to help advocate for better public policy. As the Community

Engagement and Advocacy Specialist, Brittanie has attended many stakeholder meetings, engaged closely with advocates, and helped build partnerships between the community and DRO. She will put her prior and current experiences to good use working collaboratively with Board members, consumers, and other community members.

Brittanie's experience and first-hand advocacy will help to shape, define, and inspire DRO's policy work going forward, and we couldn't be happier to have her on our team.

#AdvocacyMatters