Common Cause Pennsylvania has chosen Khalif Ali as its new Executive Director. Ali is a Pittsburgh native, and has extensive background in both democracy issues and community organizing.

“Throughout his career, Khalif has been committed to helping organize and build power in Black communities, particularly in Pittsburgh, by connecting generations of community leaders,” said Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn. “He has worked closely with Common Cause Pennsylvania in the past on redistricting issues and election protection work, and we are delighted to now have him as Executive Director.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know Common Cause members across the state,” Ali said. “In the past, I’ve worked closely with a variety of stakeholders – from local government to community-based organizations – to advance public policies centered on vulnerable populations, and that will be a core part of my work at Common Cause. For democracy to work properly, communities that are currently underrepresented need to have an equal voice.”  

Ali is a member of the Ethics Board of the City of Pittsburgh. He was previously Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for the Pittsburgh Foundation. He served as the President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Black Social workers from 2013-2016.   

Suzanne Almeida, who has acted as interim Executive Director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, will continue as Redistricting and Representation Counsel for Common Cause. “I am very happy to welcome Khalif as Executive Director of Common Cause Pennsylvania. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a passion for protecting and bettering our democracy. I’m excited to watch Common Cause Pennsylvania grow under his leadership,” she said.