Laura Lightbody directs Pew’s flood-prepared communities initiative aimed at reforming flood and disaster policy to better prepare people and property for future flooding. She previously served as a manager for Pew’s clean energy initiative, and in 2007, as a communications consultant, played a critical role in the passage of the first increase in federal fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks in more than 30 years.
Before joining Pew, Lightbody was a vice president at a Washington company where she designed policy campaigns and regulatory strategies for a portfolio of nonprofit and corporate clients in areas such as ocean services and economics, clean energy, and pro-innovation policy. Her advocacy work influenced legislation related to Hurricane Sandy disaster relief, toxic chemicals management reform, and the America COMPETES Act.
Lightbody has bachelor’s degrees in history and Spanish from the University of Michigan.