Aly Rau is the Chief of Staff at The Pelican Institute for Public Policy. In her role, Aly advances Pelican’s mission through facilitating partnerships and guides annual program planning, ensuring short-term goals, projects, and activities are in alignment with Pelican’s vision and principles. Aly serves as the Director of the Pelican Leadership Academy, a program that aims to inform, educate, and connect emerging and experienced leaders to some of Louisiana’s biggest assets and most daunting challenges. Dedicated to the next generation of leadership in Louisiana, she served as the New Orleans Chapter Leader for America’s Future Foundation and the State Leadership Council for The Policy Circle.

Her career portfolio includes building and executing grassroots and development strategies for both political candidates and various nonprofit organizations. Most notable, Aly began her career as the Grassroots Director for the Louisiana Lt. Governor, later becoming the Campaign Finance Director.

Passionate about solving challenges facing families and children, Aly currently serves on the board of The Family Village, a foster care diversion organization focused on strengthening families and communities. She has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care and served as a Medical Advocate for the Metropolitan Women and Children’s Center. Rau lives in Ascension Parish with her husband, Dr. Mason Rau, and together they have four children.