Amy Elsbree
About Amy Elsbree
Amy Elsbree serves as the Senior Director of External Affairs at The Urban Institute, where she has worked since 2013. With a background in public affairs and government relations, she has held various leadership roles, including a decade at the National League of Cities and significant positions at Amtrak.
Work at Urban Institute
Amy Elsbree serves as the Senior Director of External Affairs at The Urban Institute, a position she has held since 2013. In this role, she oversees the operations of the Institute's new state-of-the-art conference center. Elsbree engages with leaders from various sectors, including government, business, academia, non-profits, and advocacy groups. Her efforts ensure that diverse perspectives inform the Institute's research agenda. She plays a critical role in aligning the Institute's research with policy making, practice, and service delivery in communities.
Previous Experience at National League of Cities
Prior to her current position, Amy Elsbree worked at the National League of Cities as the Director of Public Affairs and Member Relations from 2003 to 2013. During her decade-long tenure in Washington, DC, she focused on enhancing member engagement and advocating for local government interests. Her experience in public affairs contributed to her understanding of the intersection between local governance and policy development.
Experience at Amtrak
Amy Elsbree held multiple roles at the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) from 1990 to 2001. She began as a Senior Legislative Affairs Officer, serving in that capacity until 1993. Subsequently, she advanced to the position of Senior Director of Government Relations and Corporate Communications, where she worked until 2001. Her experience at Amtrak provided her with a strong foundation in government relations and corporate communications.
Education and Expertise
Amy Elsbree earned her Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she studied from 1988 to 1990. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Williams College, which she completed from 1980 to 1984. Her educational background equips her with the analytical skills necessary for her roles in public policy and external affairs.