Anne Riser – Department Coordinator, Policy and Public Affairs
I was born in Fort Bragg, NC. A real Army brat, I spent most of my life in the small town of Crewe, VA, before moving to the Washington, DC suburb of Alexandria, VA.
I have been working in administrative roles at BSA since March 2008, making me one of the longest-tenured employees here. Currently, I support policy, legislative strategy, and communications.
I studied politics at Hollins University in Virginia, during which I spent a year studying French and art history and living in Paris. After graduation, I worked on Capitol Hill, which was a great training ground for the rest of my career.
After the Hill, I spent many years working for trade associations and membership organizations, including those representing insurance brokers, Armenian Americans, and personal communication devices. One of the luckiest days of my life was when two friends persuaded BSA to take a chance on me, a post-stroke survivor!
What/who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
My father inspired my interest in politics. I started working on Capitol Hill two weeks after graduation, and the experience set me up for my future jobs.
What’s the most unique part about working at BSA?
BSA is truly global. I love interacting with colleagues and learning about issues from around the world.
What’s one piece of career advice you are still trying to master?
“No guts, no glory!” If you don’t take a risk at work or elsewhere, you won’t have a chance to get what you truly want.
Tell us one fun fact about you (that might surprise your colleagues).
When I was the Director of Development and Communications at the Armenian Assembly, I carried $250,000 of cash in my backpack, which was heavy and scary! The organization had received grant funding that we needed to get into the country without paying the exorbitant exchange rate of 30 percent.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I love ice cream, especially Pralines ‘n Cream and Vanilla Swiss Almond.
Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? What did you learn?
My favorite book and movie are “The Age of Innocence,” written by Edith Wharton. It is lush, sumptuous, and filled with unrequited love.
