WASHINGTON – Today, Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with two million grassroots activists, announced that, beginning July 1, Executive Director Jessica Anderson will be taking a leave of absence from her role as long-serving head of Heritage Action to a role focused exclusively on the affiliated super PAC, Sentinel Action Fund. During Anderson’s leave of absence, the Board of Directors has appointed Vice President of Government Relations Ryan Walker as Acting Executive Director. Anderson will remain on the Heritage Action Board of Directors.
Jessica Anderson released the following statement:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have led Heritage Action during a critical time for the organization and the nation, and now the time has come to focus my efforts on a momentous event for our nation: the 2024 election.
Americans, especially grassroots activists, know firsthand the stakes of the 2024 election. As it comes into focus, we have a new opportunity to ensure conservatives are elected to majorities in the Senate and House. I firmly believe this mission is necessary to secure our nation’s future and advance the policy goals of the conservative movement.
Building on the successes of its first cycle which raised and spent $14 million in support of conservative candidates, The Sentinel Action Fund will now fill existing operational gaps this campaign cycle. With the goal of instituting a permanent GOTV/ground game infrastructure, we will deploy all tactics needed to win, including; chasing ballots to the fullest extent of the law, early voter engagement, voter registration, ballot harvesting, and grassroots GOTV.
I am equally confident in Ryan Walker’s strong and dedicated leadership to continue Heritage Action’s important work in Washington and state capitals across the country, and I look forward to continuing our ongoing partnership; Sentinels, after all, are at the heart of Heritage Action’s grassroots program and that will continue to be true.”
Ryan Walker said:
“Jessica Anderson’s leadership has grown Heritage Action into the influential and expansive organization that has been able to achieve massively consequential policy victories on behalf of the American people. Heritage Action will continue to grow and work in new ways to champion the interests of all Americans and address the many challenges this country faces. Having served for three years at Heritage Action, I am honored by the trust and stewardship the Heritage Action Board and staff are placing in me as we continue to lead the largest network of grassroots organizers in the country.”
Heritage Action Board President, Dr. Nersi Nazari said:
“Over the last five years, Jessica Anderson has led Heritage Action and its network of two million grassroots Americans through some of the most important policy debates of our time. In her new capacity, her sharp understanding of the moment, political instincts, and dedication to grassroots organizing will continue to serve our country and expand the conservative movement. The Heritage Action Board of Directors is grateful for her leadership and looks forward to her expertise as she continues to serve the Heritage Action Board as a Director. During her leave of absence, the Heritage Action Board has appointed Ryan Walker as Acting Executive Director because of his proven leadership record and ability to further grow this organization and effectively represent the interests and values of grassroots Americans."
BACKGROUND:
Anderson has been in various, critical roles at Heritage Action since its 2010 inception, building the grassroots program to be the largest and most influential on Capitol Hill. Under Anderson’s leadership, Heritage Action launched a highly effective state advocacy division, operating 13 state-based grassroots offices nationwide and engaging with state lawmakers in over two dozen states.
Anderson led Heritage Action to the largest fundraising year to date with record support of over $20 million provided by generous donors nationwide.
Due to the success of the grassroots program, Heritage Action has been instrumental in advocating for policies to strengthen state election laws, promote school choice, defeat Left-wing ESG, and work towards securing the border. In this time, Heritage Action has championed major multi-million dollar issue advocacy campaigns including Save our Elections, Save our Schools, and Save our Paychecks.
Read Ryan Walker’s full bio here.