Alice Wilkerson

Alice Wilkerson serves as Advance Maryland’s Executive Director. She has over 15 years’ experience working in and around the Maryland General Assembly with expertise in public policy, legislative strategy and political campaigns. Prior to joining Advance Maryland, she was Executive Director of Strong Future Maryland. Alice also worked as a lobbyist representing non-profit and local government clients, including Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, Waterkeepers Chesapeake, ACLU of Maryland, and Public Justice Center. Starting in 2007, she served for 10 years as Chief of Staff to former State Senator, now Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-D8) and was instrumental in the passage of over 100 bills of which the Senator was lead sponsor or Senate floor leader. Wilkerson has experience in numerous policy areas including civil rights, education, environmental protections, public safety, workplace protections, and local government. 

Alice’s commitment to public service can be attributed to the example set by her mother, who instilled strong principles of fairness and equality in her children and always encouraged civic participation. Growing up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and living close to the Chesapeake Bay, she developed a passion for protecting the environment, leading her to focus on environmental policy in her educational pursuits and early career. 

Alice earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Salisbury University, where she was active with the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement. She earned a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Social Policy with a focus in environmental ethics from The George Washington University. She also serves on the Board for the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault.