Allyson Perron Drag is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in Political Science. She has used her degree by worked on several political campaigns and as a staffer in several legislators’ offices, and the Massachusetts Secretary of State. Allyson currently works as the Government Relations Director, Regional Lead for the American Heart/American Stroke Association. Her role is to manage, plan, direct, and implement the advocacy programs to influence local, state, and national public issues related to the American Heart Association's mission in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. This is achieved by mobilizing volunteer, staff, and coalition resources, achieving AHA leadership in developing and responding to cardiovascular public health and organizational issues. Allyson has had many legislative accomplishments, including passing the first in the nation flavor elimination law, first in the nation health care access law (ACA Modeled after), first in the nation to provide a comprehensive tobacco cessation coverage, first in the nation to eliminate tobacco sales in pharmacies, first in the nation SNAP incentive program. Requiring all schools to have medical emergency response plans and AEDs, to require all coaches to know CPR, to screen all newborns for critical congenital heart defects, raise the age to 21 to purchase tobacco, and some of the strongest nutrition standards in schools and require schools to have comprehensive wellness plans. Lastly key appropriations for equity in childcare, tobacco prevention and cessation, stroke awareness and SNAP. Allyson has been the recipient of many awards including the Blake Cady Award for Leadership in Tobacco Control, 2020 State House News, Beacon Hills Most Beautiful, 2013 AHA Lobbyist of the Year, 2013 AHA Coach of the Year (2018); Passion Award (2014); Best Collaboration (2011); Integration Team Award (2010); Rookie of the Year (2006) Rhome Betts Award for Excellence, 2008.