Kieran Kissler, a lifelong Nebraskan and experienced advocate for opportunity and justice, has returned to Civic Nebraska to serve as our director of public policy. She began Dec. 1.
In her new role, Kieran coordinates our voting rights efforts and strategies across each of Civic Nebraska’s three program areas – Youth Civic Leadership, Civic Health, and Voting Rights Initiatives. She is also our registered lobbyist, building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and staff, advancing policy goals at the local, state, and federal levels, and ensuring our advocacy complies with state and federal regulations. Kieran helps align our on-the-ground organizing, programs, and public policy priorities so Nebraskans’ voices are heard where decisions are made.
Kieran grew up in central Nebraska and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, where she earned a degree in human development with concentrations in education and sociology. Her career has centered on direct service and community support, including experience in education, juvenile justice, street outreach, and housing case management.
She’s also a familiar face at Civic Nebraska, having previously worked as an organizer with Collective Impact Lincoln, as a nonpartisan voting-rights canvasser, and – in a true throwback – was an after-school staffer at our Dawes Middle School Community Learning Center when our organization was still known as Nebraskans for Civic Reform.
Most recently, Kieran was a state policy associate at Nebraska Appleseed, where she gained extensive legislative and lobbying experience. She advocated for policies ranging from voting rights and civic education to access to health care, nutritious food, and safe, affordable housing; workers’ rights and protections; child welfare system reform; and positive immigration policy.
Across this broad portfolio, Kieran’s focus was on advancing opportunity and justice for all Nebraskans.
“I believe good policy starts with listening to neighbors, to communities, and to those most affected by the decisions at the Capitol,” she said. “I’m eager to bring that approach to Civic Nebraska’s work at the statehouse, and to help protect and expand the freedom to vote across our state.”
Kieran lives in Lincoln with her spouse and their two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, playing cards, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
We’re thrilled to have Kieran back among the Crew in Blue. Please help us welcome her back; she can be reached at ki************@***********ka.org.
