EL PASO, TEXAS — The Protecting Immigrant Families coalition (PIF) announced Wednesday that Maddie Geschu has been hired as Director of Policy & Advocacy and Karla Martinez will join as Deputy Director of Policy starting in June.
“Maddie has a track record of advancing coalition‑powered legislative solutions for children and families, and Karla brings policy expertise on immigrant health and equity to the PIF team,” said PIF executive director Adriana Cadena.
Before joining PIF, Maddie Geschu served in senior leadership at Center Road Solutions, where they oversaw advocacy efforts leading to the enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, and Supporting America’s Children and Families Act as well as first-ever funding for a federal newborn support kit pilot. Earlier, Maddie worked at the League of Women Voters of the United States, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
Karla Martinez comes to the PIF team from Community Catalyst, a member of PIF’s steering committee. At Community Catalyst, Karla led immigrant health policy strategy and power-building and narrative change initiatives. She previously worked at Every Texan and was one of 14 young leaders around the country selected to join the inaugural class of Rising Leaders for Results Fellowship with the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
“Karla and Maddie are powerhouses who beautifully complement PIF’s already stellar policy and advocacy team,” said Cadena. “Together, this growing bench will deepen our collaboration with coalition members, and expand our capacity for policy and advocacy work, as well as the development of tools and resources for PIF members.”
