(WASHINGTON, December 3, 2012) — Independent Sector announces that Geoffrey Plague has been named vice president of public policy at Independent Sector. Geoff brings more than 15 years of experience on Capitol Hill and in the nonprofit and philanthropy sector, including serving as the director of government relations at Independent Sector for the last two years.

Before joining IS, Geoff was the advocacy and policy director for the Basic Education Coalition where he developed and implemented the strategy to advance the coalition’s positions and increase support for basic education programs in both Congress and the Administration. Among his positions on Capitol Hill, Geoff served as chief of staff to U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner and legislative director for U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer and Robert Andrews.

In addition to his professional experience, Geoff brings a deep personal commitment to the nonprofit sector as the president and founder of Buildings & Books, a 501(c)(3) public charity that establishes children’s community libraries in sub-Saharan Africa.

“We are thrilled that Geoff will lead the critical work of representing the interests and issues facing the nonprofit and philanthropic sector in the policy arena,” said Independent Sector president and CEO Diana Aviv.  “His experience with Independent Sector and our members, his deep understanding of the policy issues facing the sector, and his familiarity with the legislative process will help us advocate for public policies that strengthen the sector and positively impact our communities.”

Geoff has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in international affairs from American University’s School of International Service.

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Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 600 charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit and philanthropic community.  Learn more at IndependentSector.org.