Tobin C. Williamson is the Advocacy Manager for the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition. In this position, he directs our policy efforts by working with government officials and community partners around Maine in advancing MIRC’s priorities in DC, Augusta, and city halls throughout the state. His advocacy work also includes promoting the organization through both traditional media and social media, as well as serving as MIRC’s liaison and leading external relations with our advocacy partners.

Previously, Williamson served in two U.S. Congressional Offices and two Consulates General (Japan’s in Seattle and the Czech Republic’s in Chicago). His Congressional experience prioritized constituent services and community outreach, focusing at various times on immigration, foreign policy, and veterans/defense issues. He also spent time as a Congressional intern on Capitol Hill and as an intern with the World Affairs Council of Seattle. During those years, he also worked as a Starbucks barista.

Williamson earned a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina. As part of UNC’s Transatlantic Masters (TAM) program, he spent semesters abroad at Charles University (Prague, CZ) and the University of Bath (Bath, UK) in addition to his time in Chapel Hill. A native Arkansan, his undergraduate degrees include a B.S. in Geography and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Central Arkansas.

Outside of MIRC, he recently concluded his year in the Aspen Institute Strategy Group’s Rising Leaders Program. He is a Board Member for the World Affairs Council of Maine and the League of Women Voters / Democracy Maine, as well as part of the most recent cohort of Leadership Portland. Having moved to Maine in 2021, Williamson enjoys exploring all the Pine Tree State has to offer. He lives in Westbrook with his partner Kate, their cats, and their horse. In his spare time, you can find him somewhere on a hiking trail, reading a couple of books, watching soccer, trying new coffee shops, or planning his next international trips.