FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2016
Contact: Nick Jacobs, 202-618-6430 or njacobs@bettermarkets.com

Washington, D.C. – Better Markets today announced the addition of two new senior staff in its Washington office, bringing on Laura Zylstra as Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Development, and Jeremy Bratt as Director of External Affairs.

“Laura and Jeremy are experienced professionals with decades of expertise in their areas.  They have the sophisticated ability to advance our fundraising and outreach efforts,” said Better Markets president and CEO Dennis M. Kelleher.  “Laura’s skills and thorough understanding of the entire range of fundraising channels is as deep as it is broad.  Jeremy has held positions in the House, the Senate and the executive branch, providing him with extensive knowledge of the entire policymaking process in Washington.”

“It is exciting to lead Better Markets’ fundraising efforts as the rules called for by the Dodd Frank financial reform law are being completed and the efforts to make reform durable throughout a business cycle have just begun,” Laura said.  “Heading up outreach to allies, businesses and so many other people and organizations that share our goals for a safe, sound, and balanced financial system that supports the real economy is an inspiring challenge that I’m looking forward to,” Jeremy stated.

Laura Zylstra has spent over two decades in national and international fundraising, with extensive knowledge in major gifts, foundations, direct and online as well as annual fund development, strategic planning and international new market entry.  Prior to joining Better Markets, Laura served in leadership roles at the League of Women Voters, Fonkoze and Habitat for Humanity International. Laura also operated her own consulting practice, serving organizations such as the United Nations World Food Program USA, UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency), WWF, SHRM and Meridian International Center.

Jeremy Bratt has an extensive background in public policy and government relations, with more than 15 years of experience in Congress and the Executive Branch. Before joining Better Markets, Mr. Bratt was an appointee at the Department of the Interior, where he served as Deputy Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. He also spent several years on both sides of Capitol Hill, serving as the Legislative Director for Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Tim Walz of Minnesota, among other positions. 

###

Better Markets is a non-profit, non-partisan, and independent organization founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to promote the public interest in the financial markets, support the financial reform of Wall Street and make our financial system work for all Americans again. Better Markets works with allies – including many in finance – to promote pro-market, pro-business and pro-growth policies that help build a stronger, safer financial system that protects and promotes Americans’ jobs, savings, retirements and more. To learn more, visit www.bettermarkets.com.