PRESS RELEASE: Defense of Freedom Institute Hires Holly Pitt Young as Director of Development

WASHINGTON—The Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies (DFI) has named Holly Pitt Young as its new Director of Development, adding a nationally recognized fundraising leader with more than 20 years of experience to its senior team. In her new role, Holly will focus on building and strengthening relationships with supporters to help DFI advance its mission to protect civil and constitutional rights and expand education freedom.

“Holly’s entire career has been about connecting people to causes they care deeply about,” said DFI President and Co-Founder Bob Eitel. “She knows how to inspire support for ideas that protect freedom, expand opportunity, and put parents in charge of their children’s education. That combination of skill and commitment makes her an ideal fit for DFI.”

“I’m honored to join DFI and work alongside a team so deeply committed to protecting individual freedoms,” Holly said. “By building strong, lasting relationships with our supporters, we can ensure DFI has the reach and influence needed to continue its important work in education and labor policy for years to come.”

Holly comes to DFI most recently from Stand Together, where she served as Fundraising Initiative Director. In that capacity, she spearheaded strategic campaigns supporting initiatives in the economy, artificial intelligence, K–12 education, and free speech.

Previously, as Director of Development for the New Civil Liberties Alliance, Holly increased annual donations by 65 percent through enhanced major donor engagement, targeted campaigns, and major grants. In 2010, she founded Pitt Young Strategies, successfully raising funds for clients across the nonprofit, advocacy, and political spectrum. Her experience also includes senior development roles at the J.C. Watts Companies and DDC Advocacy, where she led fundraising and engagement programs for more than 150 organizations nationwide.

A native of North Carolina, Holly began her career in Washington, D.C. as a Press Secretary on Capitol Hill. She holds a B.A. in Political Science/Pre-Law from Campbell University and attended graduate school at Regent University.