WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 13, 2023 —Brent Leatherwood, president of The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, has appointed Hannah Daniel to serve as the next director of public policy to lead the entity’s work on Capitol Hill.

In this position, Daniel will oversee the ERLC’s Washington office, coordinating its public policy efforts in D.C. and across the nation. Daniel will advocate for legislation and policies that advance the interests of Southern Baptists in the public square.

“I am thrilled Hannah Daniel has accepted this role for our Commission,” Leatherwood said of her appointment. “She has led our legislative work as policy manager with distinction for well over a year now. The expertise, skill set and talent she brings to this role in Washington should make every Southern Baptist proud of this development. 

“When I travel to our nation’s capital for meetings, both those on Capitol Hill with elected leaders and coalition peers for our work, I am constantly grateful for the voices that sing Hannah’s praises for the work she does on behalf of our churches. She always conducts herself with integrity, and views this work not merely as a chance to articulate helpful policy proposals but also as a chance to bring the gospel to those in the highest offices in the land.”

Southern Baptist and evangelical leaders provided the following accolades for Daniel’s appointment. 

“Hannah Daniel is an excellent choice for this very important role at the ERLC! It was a joy to know her as a student at Union University, and it has been a joy to see her use her intellectual gifts, her relational ability, and her diligent work for the glory of God and the good of others through her work in our nation’s capital. As director of public policy for the ERLC, Hannah will be a strong and faithful voice for Southern Baptists and all people of good will on the important matters affecting our country and, by extension, the world.” – Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, president, Union University

“Hannah Daniel is a stellar young woman with an exceptional work ethic. Hannah was a leader in our youth group, serving locally through tutoring inner city children as well as participating in international missions. She is fully committed to the Lord and the advancement of His Kingdom. I am so grateful that we have such a talented young woman willing to serve our SBC in this strategic position.” – Donna Gaines, Bible teacher and author, Bellevue Baptist Church

“I am always thankful when I see young leaders using their gifts and abilities for Christ’s glory. During recent transitions Hannah has demonstrated her ability to be a salt and light witness in the legislative world that is Washington, D.C.” – Kevin Smith, chair, ERLC board of trustees

“I had the privilege of hiring Hannah Daniel when I worked at the ERLC. She’s incredibly talented, intelligent, and a phenomenal advocate in Washington, D.C., for the vulnerable, for religious liberty, for the pre-born and so many other issues that Southern Baptists care about. She represents Christ well in whatever space she steps into and will continue to lead with conviction and grace.” – Chelsea Sobolik, director of government relations, World Relief

“Hannah has been an important member at our church in downtown Washington for several years. She helps lead a small group here on Capitol Hill attended by dozens of Hill staffers and serves regularly at our church. She loves the Great Commission, is passionate for policy and truth, and most of all loves Jesus in a way we all see and feel.” – Benjamin Palka, pastor, King’s Church D.C.

Hannah Daniel biography 

Daniel is from Memphis, Tenn., where she was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church. She graduated from Union University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in economics. As an intern with the ERLC in 2020, she gained experience and insight into the advocacy work for Southern Baptists on Capitol Hill. Following her internship, she worked at the National Immigration Forum to engage faith-based partners and advocates in common sense immigration reforms. In 2021, she rejoined the ERLC staff under Brent Leatherwood’s leadership as a policy associate and then in 2022 as policy manager. Daniel lives in Washington, D.C., where she is a member and small group leader at Kings Church D.C.

The Southern Baptist Convention is America’s largest Protestant denomination with more than 13.6 million members and a network of over 47,000 cooperating churches and congregations. The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is the SBC’s ethics, religious liberty and public policy agency with offices in Nashville, Tenn., and Washington, D.C.

To request an interview, contact Elizabeth Bristow by email at [email protected] or call 202-547-0209.