Over the past 15 years, Rachel Derby has worked in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Senate and for multiple trade associations. Over the course of her career, she has led numerous coalitions and achieved legislative success, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. In 2022 Rachel joined Patients Rising Now as the Executive Director.

Prior to her role at Patients Rising Now, Rachel worked for Riester Public Affairs as a leader for the policy and advocacy communications team. Providing a multidisciplinary approach to policy development and communications. Rachel spent five years as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Portland Cement Association. In this position, she planned and directed PCA's legislative advocacy efforts. Including working with Members to formulate legislative policy and strategy; cultivates working relationships with members of Congress and their staffs; and developed and maintained functional relationships with Members, coalition partners, and industry allies regarding legislative matters.

During her tenure, she worked on infrastructure, climate, energy, environment and tax policies. Mrs. Derby also served as the Senior Director of Federal Affairs at the Toy Industry Association. In that role she managed outreach with the White House, Congress, and other regulatory agencies and led the organization’s strategies on environmental sustainability, chemical regulations, and marketing to children.

In addition to her work at TIA, Rachel was Director of Government Affairs with the National Association of Police Organizations where she worked on appropriations, criminal justice, labor and emergency spectrum issues. From 2007 to 2010 she served in the Washington, D.C. office of Senator George LeMieux and Senator Mel Martinez. Rachel Derby is a native of Florida and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Florida State University and an MBA from American University.