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“Perspectives” is a series that highlights our advisors who are leaders in the HIV field and provide guidance to the Coalition, ensuring that our priorities are informed by the latest scientific research and best practices.

This month, we are pleased to spotlight Katie Rutherford, Executive Director of the Frannie Peabody Center and member of the HIV Leadership Advisory Council.

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Please share a brief bio and description of your career in the HIV field in the first person.

Katie has been working in community-based HIV services for over 18 years, initially supporting youth-led programming in South Africa before joining Frannie Peabody Center in 2012 – Maine’s largest HIV organization. In addition to serving as the agency’s Executive Director, she is also the co-chair of Maine’s HIV Advisory Board and Vice President of the Board of National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition.

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Why have you personally dedicated yourself to working on HIV?

I see the history of HIV activism as a movement fueled by relentless courage and compassion in the face of injustice. It’s an issue that intersects with so many facets of society – how we treat each other and build systems to support communities. I appreciate being a part of an organization where each individual is dedicated to its mission alongside the people we serve, and that continues to inspire me every day.

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How do you hope to see U.S. Business Action to End HIV and coalition members contributing toward ending the epidemic in the U.S.?

I hope U.S. Business Action to End HIV and its coalition members continue to recognize their collective power through advocacy, influence, and direct care in a way that makes HIV less stigmatized, care and prevention more accessible, and serves to shift the model of healthcare in the U.S. to a human right. 

What's one simple action a company could take this year to support the local HIV response in their community?

Provide their members, employees, and networks with encouragement and tools to advocate against Medicaid and healthcare cuts.

As someone who has devoted so much of your career to this work, what message would you leave with Coalition members?

We often talk about how far we’ve come – the scientific advancements, the federal programs, and the international aid. This is all true and triumphant. However, in many ways are right back where we started – we have a government turning its back on HIV/AIDS, marginalized populations being forgotten, profit being prioritized over people, and barriers that make treatment inaccessible. It doesn’t have to be like this – we still have an opportunity to right the ship if we can be brave enough.