Molly Swank was named Jan. 1 as Executive Director of Common Cause New Mexico, a non-partisan voting rights group dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy — equal access to the ballot and open, honest and accountable government.

Swank has a wealth of experience in community organizing and non-profit management. She served as community engagement director for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, directing field operations and electoral campaigns in a four-state area, including New Mexico. Previously she served as legislative and advocacy associate for Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin, where she spent most of her life.

Since arriving in New Mexico in 2020, she has worked as a campaign and programs director for the Center for Civic Policy and as a field education coordinator for the Master’s in Social Work program at Highlands University.

She is a graduate of Emerge Wisconsin and several Wellstone training programs, where she was trained in volunteer engagement and voter mobilization.

“My purpose has always been to ensure that every individual has the tools they need to be civically engaged and to advocate for the policies that will make for thriving communities,” says Swank.

“I come from the community side of advocacy work, not the policy side, so I’m hoping to bring the voices of our communities to the forefront of Common Cause’s work” she says, and this year she will be focusing on Common Cause’s drive to modernize the New Mexico legislature, as well as ensuring equal access to the ballot during upcoming elections.

Swank holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

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Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard as equals in the political process.