Dr. Maryann McEvoyEdD

Dr. Maryann McEvoy is a dynamic, trauma-informed executive leader whose career spans the United Nations, state and federal government, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Across every role, her work has centered on one through-line: translating complex social issues into compelling public narratives that inspire action, policy change, and global engagement on behalf of children.

At the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, she contributed to the launch of the Blue Heart Campaign — a landmark global initiative against human trafficking that brought together celebrity advocates Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore alongside governments, NGOs, and international agencies. She helped cultivate the partnerships that established the $3.4M Global Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking, and collaborated with UNICEF, Amnesty International, USAID, and IRC on humanitarian guidance and child protection frameworks.

As the Commonwealth Child Advocate and Executive Director of Advocacy & Reform under the Pennsylvania Governor's Office, she led the development and rollout of the Trauma-Informed Pennsylvania Plan and HEAL PA, and served as the senior public-facing voice for child rights, child protection, and trauma prevention. Her long-term advocacy strategy was instrumental in the passage of HB1275, establishing Pennsylvania's Office of Child Advocate after a 27-year effort.

She holds a Doctorate in Global Policy & Advocacy from Drexel University, an MEd in International Development from NYU, and contributes to the Oxford Handbook of Trauma-Informed Social Health with a chapter on child advocacy in U.S. government. Her international field experience spans Tanzania, India, and Peru.