Aaron Ahlquist is a Partner at Open River Strategies LC, a consulting firm specializing in nonprofit formation and operation, political advocacy infrastructure, coalition strategy, and policy development. A licensed attorney, Aaron brings experience spanning federal legislative service, national environmental and mass tort litigation, and nearly a decade of senior leadership at the Anti-Defamation League, where he built coalitions, shaped national policy initiatives, and led civil rights and community resilience work across the South. He currently serves as national policy director to the 10 Steps Campaign, a pro-democracy initiative. Deeply rooted in New Orleans Jewish community life, Aaron has spent years building and strengthening the institutions that sustain and protect the local Jewish community. His philanthropic work serving as vice president of the Alder Branch Foundation reflects his belief in the interconnection of environmental, human, and societal health — a value he carries into every engagement.
