Rachel Barkley is an experienced coalition and community builder at the state and national levels. As the Executive Director of the Alliance for Opportunity, a coalition founded by the Georgia Center for Opportunity, she advances state-driven reforms that are moving America’s safety net from a system that manages poverty to one that promotes work, dignity, family stability, and upward mobility.

Previously, Rachel worked as the External Relations Senior Advisor for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Director of Outreach for the U.S. House of Representatives Conference Chair. She also served as the Director of Coalitions and State Outreach for the largest caucus in Congress. In her roles, she partnered with outside think tanks, advocacy groups, trade associations, and state leaders to advance legislation and coordinate messaging strategies.
Rachel got her start at a national nonprofit for state policy think tanks, the State Policy Network, where she worked as a liaison between state and national organizations. She also served on the board for a Washington, D.C., charter school startup and on the advisory council for Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy’s American Project.
Rachel is originally from Ocala, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with dual degrees in public relations and political science. She lives with her husband and three children near Washington, D.C.