Chris Brandenburg named AARP Manager of State and Federal Advocacy

RALEIGH, NC — Chris Brandenburg of Fuquay-Varina, NC, was named the new AARP Manager of State and Federal Advocacy in February. In this role, he is responsible for lobbying and maintaining relations with both state and federal elected officials, as well as helping lead a large team of AARP advocacy volunteers who are instrumental to any lobbying success.

Brandenburg joined the AARP NC team in March of 2020, to serve as the Associate State Director of Advocacy. In that role Chris worked with AARP members, volunteers, and colleagues to advocate at the NC General Assembly for the 50+. AARP was successful in securing many positive changes when it comes to supporting veterans and family caregivers, protecting nursing home residents, making sure utility and insurance rate increases are fair and reasonable, promoting age-friendly communities, fighting fraud and helping workers save for retirement to name only a few.

At the federal level, Chris has his work cut out for him tackling major issues when it comes to retirement security including strenthening Social Security and Medicare, lowering prescrption drug costs, and securing support for family caregivers through Congressional action.

Prior to AARP, Brandenburg spent the previous 8 years working as a Congressional staffer in the offices of US Senator Richard Burr and Congressman George Holding. During that time, Chris interacted with constituents from all walks of life across North Carolina listening to their concerns and trying to solve problems they had with various agencies within the federal government. He also conveyed legislative information to the public and often served as the point of contact for the member of Congress at meetings across the state.

AARP North Carolina Director Mike Olender said, "Chris is passionate about aging issues and the future of North Carolina. In addition to the work he does with the General Assembly, he continually educates volunteers and staff about the state's rich history."
 
Outside off work, Chris loves spending time with his wife, two young children and extended family. He also enjoys running, working out, basketball, and geeking out over anything history related. He jokes that he is still waiting for NC State to win a championship in his lifetime, (last championship was 1983) but he said he is not holding his breath.