Katherine (Kat) Slye-Hernandez, Ph.D., is a seasoned government affairs professional with a decade of experience shaping public policy across state and federal landscapes. She currently serves as the Senior Associate Director of Public Policy at the New York Farm Bureau, where she leads advocacy efforts on behalf of the state’s diverse agricultural sector in a number of policy areas. In this role, Kat works closely with legislators, state agencies, and NYFB’s grassroots membership to support policies that strengthen New York farms and oppose those that threaten agricultural viability. Previously, Kat directed government affairs for the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association and the American Building Materials Alliance, overseeing policy strategy and lobbying across eight states and at the federal level. Kat also held key public policy roles at PIA Northeast where she managed legislative campaigns, revitalized two state Political Action Committees, and served as a key liaison to members across five states, translating complex insurance legislation into actionable insights, leading grassroots engagement, and authoring policy content for both internal and public audiences. Kat also served as a Senate Fellow with the New York State Senate where she staffed key committees, contributed to budget negotiations, conducted research for conference reports, and developed policy briefs on legislation on a broad range of topics. Kat earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, specializing in public policy and American government. Her dissertation focused on the lobbying strategies of interest groups playing defense. She also holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from Elmira College, where she now serves as Vice President of the Alumni Board. Kat grew up in rural Maine in a very agricultural community. In her free time, Kat enjoys the sport of curling, hiking, and reading.