gabriel sayegh is the director of the Drug Policy Alliance’s New York policy office. He joined DPA in 2003 as a member of the development team, joined the policy team in 2004, and in 2005 launched DPA’s innovative State Organizing and Policy Project. He directed the project until 2010, coordinating DPA’s work in numerous states, including Alabama, Connecticut and New York.

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Today, sayegh and his team work in New York City and across the state, partnering with community organizing groups, human service agencies, and researchers to advance drug policies that are guided by science, compassion, health, racial justice and human rights. Recent successes include reform of New York’s draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws and the passage of historic legislation to prevent accidental overdose fatalities.

Prior to joining DPA, sayegh was session staff in the Washington State Senate, focusing on criminal justice and welfare policy; conducted research on global trade agreements and domestic welfare reform; organized with grassroots community groups to end domestic violence and mass incarceration; and worked as a line cook at a few different diners. He lives in Brooklyn.