I've Been Promoted to IWF Director
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Last week, I was teasing that I have a major announcement to share. So here I go…
I’ve been promoted to Director at Independent Women’s Forum’s Center for Energy and Conservation, effective today.
From IWF’S official press release on my announcement:
Today, Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) announced Senior Fellow Gabriella Hoffman will step into a new role as the Director for the Center for Energy and Conservation (CEC) at IWF.
A freelance media strategist and award-winning writer, Gabriella Hoffman has concurrently served as a CEC policy expert and IWF senior fellow. Hoffman is passionate about conservation and the advancement of freedom and liberty as a key ingredient for strong communities and a healthy environment. Hoffman also hosts the District of Conservation podcast and CFACT original video series “Conservation Nation.”
IWF’s Center for Energy and Conservation is dedicated to reshaping the conversation about American energy and conservation. By focusing on areas of work such as energy independence, land conservation, and ESG policies, the CEC educates the public about the benefits of modern energy, including thriving economies and healthy communities.
This year, Hoffman was integral to the establishment of IWF’s National Energy Appreciation Day (NEAD), which will be observed annually on October 4 to recognize energy’s vital role and the men and women who power America’s energy sector. The CEC led the charge by working with members of Congress, industry leaders, and coalition partners to celebrate America’s domestic energy industry.
“I’m thrilled to oversee our Center for Energy and Conservation and help advance solutions that promote energy security, true conservation, and balanced use. IWF is actively steering the conversation on issues like ESG and environmental stewardship. Women care about policies affecting their ability to fuel their cars, power their homes, feed their families through farming or hunting, protect property rights, and access public lands for multiple uses. As Director, I will accelerate our impact and widen our reach in the media, in the halls of Congress, and with important stakeholders,” said Gabby Hoffman.
What This Means
As IWF’s new Center for Energy and Conservation Director, I’ll be leading our organization’s efforts on pivotal issues. Like before, I’ll be writing and doing media appearances. I’ll also oversee our center fellows and work alongside my IWF colleagues to cross pollinate where our issues overlap. You will likely see me before Congress in the near future, on your TV screens more, and speaking at future events and conferences in this capacity. I’m very excited, at my young age, to assume this role. I promise to not let you down.
This new role is more managerial yet, essentially, an expansion of my existing Senior Fellow duties. I’m excited to dutifully carry out more responsibilities in the hopes of reaching out to more independent-minded women on energy, conservation, wildlife, and public lands issues. I’ve already been doing this, with much success, and get to further shape the conversation and lead efforts.
With these added responsibilities, however, it means saying goodbye - for now - to being a full-time freelancer. This is a space I’ve comfortably occupied these last 7.5 years.
Yes, I have been on the record saying I’ll never go back to W-2 work.
However, when an opening like this falls on your lap, you accept it. I’ve worked very hard with our outgoing center director and my friend, Mandy Gunasekara, to ensure our young Center for Energy and Conservation has an impact. Opportunities like this don’t come around often. After Mandy informed me of her departure, I was encouraged - by her and our colleagues - to take over and I gladly accepted.
Some might see this as a betrayal or hypocrisy on my end. But rest assured, I’m not betraying my principles or anyone. Let me explain why.
What This Doesn’t Mean
While I’m officially going back to “W-2” work as IWF’s new Center Director, I’m still maintaining my existing contracts as a part-time freelancer. (See, I’m not wholly abandoning freelancing!) That means District of Conservation podcasts, CFACT Conservation Nation episodes, my weekly Townhall columns, and Young Voices duties aren’t stopping anytime soon.
IWF encourages its staff to “flex their independence” with likeminded causes and affiliations. That’s partly why I said yes to going full-time with them as an employee after 2.5 years of being a fellow.
You see, I can still advocate for freelancers as a W-2er and part-time freelancer. And I will!
Final Thoughts
There will be no slowing down here on my Substack newsletter. I envision this space to be an extension of my IWF work (as it already is) and freelance contracts I’m maintaining. So don’t anticipate any drastic changes here.
What does this mean to folks in my professional networks, especially in the outdoor and energy industries? It means we can work more closely together where appropriate—especially if you desire to reach more women in hunting, fishing, energy, and conservation.
Overall, change can be good. I welcome this particular change. It’ll make me a more effective advocate for issues I care deeply about and allow me to continue working with an organization that I love dearly. I can't wait to bring these important issues more into the forefront. And I'm delighted to have a great team at IWF to assist me and make this possible.
I was told on two occasions in my professional life - once in 2012 and in 2016 - I’d never amount to anything except for a social media manager or assistant. Well, those detractors couldn’t be more wrong—especially today. Hard work, grit, tenacity, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit helped me—a first-generation American born to Lithuanian refugee parents— get to where I am today.
I have VERY big shoes to fill and hope to continue Mandy's great work. I will miss collaborating - for now - and craving a space for energy and conservation issues together. We've accomplished a lot with our young center and I wish her the best of luck in her new and exciting endeavors. I’ve learned a lot from her and greatly admire all she’s done—including our exit from the flawed Paris Accords during the Trump administration. Women and girls can look up to Mandy on energy issues. I know I do.
To all of you subscribing here and/or reading this: Thank you for the support, well-wishes, and feedback.
I hope you continue to follow along my journey!
—Gabriella
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