About

About the Public Policy & Government Affairs Department

Strengthening Mental Health Care through Public Policy

Who We Are

The Vibrant Public Policy & Government Affairs Department advances Vibrant’s mission through public policy, advocacy, education, and governmental engagement. Working at the federal, state, and local levels, the department supports policies that expand access to mental health care, strengthen crisis services, and promote systemic change. Much of this work supports the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through legislative monitoring, policymaker education, public awareness, and partnerships that strengthen sustainable funding and understanding of 988.

Our Team

The Vibrant Public Policy & Government Affairs Department leads cross-functional efforts, shaping policies and strategies across all government levels for equitable mental health initiatives.

James Bristow

Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs

James Bristow
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James Bristow

Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs

James serves as Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs and oversees the department’s policy, advocacy, and engagement efforts on the federal, state, and local levels. In this capacity James develops Vibrant’s legislative and regulatory strategy, and directs Vibrant political engagement efforts and appearances in front of governmental bodies. 

Before his time at Vibrant, James most recently served as Government Relations Counsel for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget where he advised the agency on political strategy and governmental compliance regarding fiscal matters. He additionally was detailed as special counsel for budget and contractual policy within the 2024 and 2025 NYC Charter Revision Commissions. Prior to that, James was a political consultant at the Office of Joseph A. Califano Jr., a former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. James also previously served as executive law clerk for the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau.

James holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina Honors College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. In his free time, James enjoys reading history, going to the theatre, and cheering on his beloved Atlanta Braves and South Carolina Gamecocks. He is based in New York City where he lives with his wife and dog.

Jeremiah Cedeño

Manager, Advocacy & Community Engagement

Jeremiah Cedeño
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Jeremiah Cedeño

Manager, Advocacy & Community Engagement

Jeremiah Cedeno is a public policy and community engagement professional with deep roots in New York City's civic landscape. With experience spanning key city agencies—including the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit, Health, and Youth & Community Development—and Congresswoman AOC's re-election campaign, he has built a career on connecting policy to people. He currently applies this expertise at Vibrant, where for nearly four years he has participated in strategy and engagement efforts to drive positive community impact.

Lisa Elder

Manager, State Policy

Lisa Elder
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Lisa Elder

Manager, State Policy

Lisa Elder holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science from Stony Brook University with a concentration in Public Health. She is a Manager of State Policy at Vibrant Emotional Health.

Prior to this role, Lisa made significant contributions as the Community Engagement Manager at NYC Smoke-Free within Public Health Solutions, where she worked to end the devastating tobacco epidemic and protect the health of New Yorkers through tobacco control policy, advocacy, and education.

Lisa's impact extended to her role as the Manager of Health Education and Public Policy for the American Lung Association, where she played a pivotal role in developing effective campaign strategies, fostering robust coalitions, and mobilizing communities to address lung health issues.

Lisa's advocacy journey began with her leadership of a youth-led advocacy program as part of the New York State Tobacco Control Program. Through mentorship and empowerment, she guided young advocates in crafting impactful campaigns and initiatives dedicated to tobacco control, laying the foundation for her ongoing commitment to effecting positive change.

Her unwavering goal remains to ensure equitable opportunities for all to achieve and maintain health and wellness. When Lisa isn't passionately advocating for change, you can catch her exploring the scenic wonders of Vermont. Whether she's hiking, camping, or hitting the mountain biking trails, Lisa finds solace in the natural beauty of her home region.

Daniel Herron

Manager, State Policy

Daniel Herron
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Daniel Herron

Manager, State Policy

Daniel Herron holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Whitworth University. As a Manager of State Policy at Vibrant Emotional Health, Daniel supports the implementation and development of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in states across the United States. He also focuses on policy issues, including technology, data privacy, youth mental health, and services for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Prior to this role, Daniel worked in both chambers of the Washington State legislature, serving legislators on both sides of the aisle. He also previously provided strategy and communications consulting to a number of Seattle-based organizations.

As a native Washingtonian, Daniel loves being in nature and taking advantage of the incredible outdoor opportunities that the Pacific Northwest offers. Currently residing in Tacoma, Daniel is involved in several community organizations and serves as an elder in his local Presbyterian church.

Katie Keys

Manager, Federal Policy

Katie Keys
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Katie Keys

Manager, Federal Policy

Katie holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Politics from the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government from American University. Before joining Vibrant Health, she worked with various international organizations, most recently at Open Society Foundations, where she was a Senior Policy Specialist. There, she influenced policy change, raised awareness, and mobilized support for issues such as refugee inclusion, democracy support, and democratic governance.

Katie has joined the team as a Policy Manager. She collaborates with other members of the PPGA department and across Vibrant to advance our mission through intergovernmental relations and policy coordination. Katie was born in New Jersey and currently resides in Washington, DC. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new recipes.

Shelley Polanco

Director, State Policy

Shelley Polanco
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Shelley Polanco

Director, State Policy

Shelley graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Master of Arts. She commenced her career after graduate school as a Domestic Violence advocate, collaborating closely with the New York City Police Department. Shelley’s dedication to empowering and assisting vulnerable individuals led her to a supervisory position as a Senior Case Manager at a shelter serving over 200 adult males dealing with mental health and substance abuse challenges. In this role, she oversaw her team and provided essential services to the shelter's residents, each with diverse needs.

Shelley joined Vibrant in 2022 as a State Policy Manager for the Public Policy and Government Affairs Department. She was promoted to Director of State Public Policy in July of 2024 and manages many of the department's State projects and relationships with mental health partners. Shelley was born and raised in New York and now lives in Florida with her partner and their new puppy.

Valerie Silecchia, M Ed

Manager, Advocacy, Communications, and Education

Valerie Silecchia, M Ed
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Valerie Silecchia, M Ed

Manager, Advocacy, Communications, and Education

Valerie holds a master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Penn State University and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with an English concentration from SUNY Oswego. Prior to joining Vibrant Emotional Health in 2022, she spent over 20 years as a classroom teacher. Her diverse background also includes developing training programs, editing professional manuscripts and doctoral dissertations, planning events, running government-funded programs, and conducting workshops for adult learners.

In the PPGA Department, Valerie edits the department's monthly newsletter, manages the online content of their microsite, organizes webinars for stakeholders interested in mental health initiatives, and collaborates with internal and external partners to raise awareness and support for mental health policies. Outside work, Valerie is a dedicated community advocate and volunteers in local chapters promoting mental wellness, equity, and safer communities. Valerie enjoys reading, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and tripod pup.

Values

Excellence

We strive to achieve high-quality and impactful outcomes through our advocacy and education.

Belonging

We advocate for laws where all individuals feel valued and respected, are treated with dignity, and have equitable access to mental health care.

Integrity

We conduct ourselves with integrity, embracing authenticity and transparency as fundamental values.

Wellbeing

We prioritize overall well-being, nurturing ourselves, supporting one another, and fostering community health at every level.

Learn how to engage.

Join us in shaping mental health policy. Your voice matters in creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Take Action
Access resources.

Equip yourself with tools to help you get started. Learn the issues, explore print materials, find your legislators, and access the latest from our department. 

Browse Our Resources