Sickle Cell Disease Association of America named Nathan Parsons as government relations manager. Parsons brings experience in politics, policy and legislation.

Prior to joining the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Parsons served as a state lead for the Presidential Inaugural Committee and regional organizing director for President Joe Biden’s campaign. In his positions, he collaborated with leaders, organizations and officials, organized events and managed field organizers.

Previously, Parsons was a regional organizing director for Organizing Together 2020 and field organizer for Pete for America. He served as program officer for the Center for a Free Cuba, where he wrote funding proposals and managed programmatic initiatives. In addition, he was a legislative fellow for Minnesota Rep. Maye Quade and lead paralegal for Paschal Nwokocha & Chukwu.

He holds a Master of Public Policy in U.S. foreign policy from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in history and psychology from the University of St. Thomas.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease causing red blood cells to take a sickle shape, which leads to blockages that prevent blood from reaching parts of the body. As a result, people with sickle cell complications can experience anemia, jaundice, gallstones, stroke, chronic pain, organ damage and premature death. No universal cure exists. (sicklecelldisease.net)

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America advocates for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empowers community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure. The association and more than 50 member organizations support sickle cell research, public and professional health education and patient and community services. (www.sicklecelldisease.org)