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Deirdre Cummings
Legislative Director at MASSPIRG
Professional Background
Deirdre Cummings is a prominent advocate and leader in public health, consumer protection, and tax and budget programs, engaging actively in initiatives that impact the economic landscape of Massachusetts. Currently running MASSPIRG’s programs in these critical areas, Deirdre has significantly influenced policies and reforms aimed at safeguarding consumer rights and enhancing fiscal transparency within the state. Her remarkable leadership is characterized by successful campaigns addressing crucial issues such as identity theft prevention and healthcare affordability.
Deirdre has effectively led campaigns targeting corporate tax loopholes, successfully closing approximately $400 million worth, which ensures that large corporations pay their fair share towards public services. Her passion for consumer protection is evident through rigorous efforts that aim to halt unfair pricing practices from insurance companies and improve the transparency and accessibility of state spending data. Under her guidance, MASSPIRG has been instrumental in advocating for stronger laws that require public records to be maintained in an easily navigable online format, thus empowering citizens to hold their government accountable.
Additionally, Deirdre oversees the Consumer Action Center located in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Since its establishment in 1989, this center has successfully mediated more than 17,000 consumer complaints, returning an impressive $4 million to Massachusetts consumers. This initiative not only reinforces her commitment to consumer advocacy but also enhances the trust and confidence citizens have in public programs designed to protect their interests.
Education and Achievements
Deirdre’s strong foundation in advocacy and public service is supported by her academic background. She pursued her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a prestigious institution known for cultivating leaders in various domains. This educational experience equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in her career.
Throughout her tenure at MASSPIRG, Deirdre has held several key positions. She initially served as the Legislative Director, leading initiatives that informed and shaped legislative actions at both state and federal levels, advocating on behalf of the consumer. Her adeptness at navigating complex legislative frameworks laid the groundwork for her subsequent role as an author for the organization, where she communicated critical insights and recommendations pertinent to public policy.
Deirdre's contributions have made a significant impact on various legislative fronts, establishing her as a key influencer in the arena of consumer protection and public health policy in Massachusetts. Her unwavering dedication to bettering the lives of residents through informed advocacy continues to inspire many aspiring public servants.
Achievements
- Led successful campaigns to close $400 million in corporate tax loopholes.
- Improved public records law making them more transparent and accessible online.
- Mediated over 17,000 complaints through the Consumer Action Center, recovering $4 million for Massachusetts consumers.
- Advocated for consumer protections against unfair pricing practices by insurance companies.
- Worked tirelessly to reduce the costs of health insurance and prescription drugs in Massachusetts.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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