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Sarah Garza Resnick to take over at Personal PAC

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Illinois

* Personal PAC has been right up there with organized labor as the Democratic Party’s most important ally. Love him or hate him, the indefatigable Terry Cosgrove has been a major driving force in Illinois politics and government for decades, so this is important news for those of us who follow these things…

Personal PAC has hired political strategist Sarah Garza Resnick as President & CEO. Current President and CEO Terry Cosgrove recently announced his departure to coincide with the conclusion of the 2022 mid-term election. Garza Resnick’s appointment will be effective in January. She is the second CEO and will be the first woman of color to lead the organization in its more than 30-year history.

Sarah has been a life-long advocate for reproductive rights, a campaign strategist who has elected leaders across all levels of government, and is a change management expert who knows how to merge policy, politics, and people together to build political power.

“The need to advance reproductive freedom is more important than ever,” said Garza Resnick. “The midterm elections show that organizing builds wins and creates historic change. Our new post-Roe world means putting our values front-and-center to protect the rights of the vulnerable and create a more just world. It’s not enough for us to say we believe in reproductive rights and women’s health. We have to build coalitions to protect those beliefs.”

Garza Resnick has worked on mayoral and Congressional campaigns across the country and managed State House Caucus efforts in New Hampshire. As a leader, she has built successful political campaigns through her passion for fundraising and her training as an organizer.

Personal PAC Board Chair Natalie Federle stated, “Sarah’s hire is reflective of Personal PAC’s evolution to meet the challenges of this political environment. Her life in public service, along with her belief that advocacy must be paired with political power meets the needs of this moment. Her experience, background, and collaborative style will serve the organization well, especially as we continue our vital work protecting and advancing reproductive freedom in Illinois.”

Resnick takes the reins from Cosgrove, who has led the organization since 1989, and has called serving Personal PAC “the opportunity of a lifetime.” With the mid-term election results one of the best election results in Personal PAC’s history, solidifying pro-choice leaders in critical offices across Illinois, he leaves the organization well positioned for the future. He called Sarah Garza Resnick “the perfect choice to lead the organization in these changing and challenging times.”

Garza Resnick’s most recent professional accomplishments were as Chief of Staff at the Cook County Assessor’s Office where she led the office’s transition team and executed a vision of reform. Under Sarah’s leadership, the Assessor’s Office became an award-winning example of ethics, transparency, and fairness. Sarah was also Chief of Staff to Cook County Clerk David Orr and served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender, where she was elected Secretary of AFSCME Local 3315, and the Executive Director of First Defense Legal Aid in Chicago. She is a graduate of Cardozo School of Law and received her undergraduate degree in Political Science & Economics from Brandeis University, and she has a master’s degree in Political Sociology from the London School of Economics. She lives in Cook County with her husband and two sons.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 17, 22 @ 9:06 am

Comments

I understand that background statements like these contain a bit of puffery, but “executed a vision of reform” is a new one.

Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Thursday, Nov 17, 22 @ 9:27 am
Congratulations and welcome to this important work.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Nov 17, 22 @ 9:40 am
A new face with an incredible background for Personal PAC. Congratulations to Garza Resnick and a roomful of accolades to Cosgrove. Best wishes to both for the future. We need leaders like them.

Comment by froganon Thursday, Nov 17, 22 @ 10:44 am
Began occasionally collaborating on legislative races with Terry beginning in 1993 when Rosemary Mulligan bested Penny Pullen foe state representative. He is a most remarkable person and very talented political operative. All the best to him.

Comment by Steelersfan Thursday, Nov 17, 22 @ 11:48 am
===Love him or hate him, the indefatigable Terry Cosgrove has been a major driving force in Illinois politics and government for decades, so this is important news===

He stomped the Terra and made a difference.

Congratulations and sincere best wishes to Sarah Garza Resnick.

The work is just beginning. Cosgrove leaves giving Sarah Garza Resnick a strong foundation of wins and winning.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 17, 22 @ 12:18 pm
Terry is almost irreplaceable and he got nearly all of the most vital work done, but the work must continue. I wish the new CEO the best. Very big shoes to fill, and she sounds up to the task.

Comment by Shytown Thursday, Nov 17, 22 @ 3:09 pm