Staff Spotlight: Aaron Castelo, Senior Advisor, State Advocacy

Aaron Castelo, AAO-HNS Senior Advisor, State AdvocacyFor this month's staff spotlight, we sat down with Aaron Castelo, the Academy's Senior Advisor for State Advocacy. In this role, he serves as both watchdog and strategist, ensuring our members have the tools and support they need to influence policy decisions that impact their practices and patients. His commitment to service extends beyond the professional—Aaron also leads a foundation supporting women and minorities in journalism in tribute to his late wife's legacy. 

How long have you been at the Academy? Two and a half years.

The AAO-HNS Advocacy Team.What do you do as the Senior Advisor, State Advocacy? I guide the Academy's efforts to advance public policy priorities across all 50 states. This includes monitoring pending legislative proposals and working with our members to advocate at the state level.

Tell us about one of your most memorable moments working for the Academy. Last year, we faced a very serious legislative issue in Maryland. And, while we did not get the desired outcome, it was exciting to see our members pull together to make their voices heard to legislators. I enjoyed giving them the resources, research and support they needed to undertake the effort.

Aaron and his son at a White House event.How did you get involved in your area of focus? I was an intern at the Indiana state legislature in college, and I really enjoyed the experience of seeing government work at the state level. States work at a much quicker pace than Congress and often have a more direct impact on public policy.

What is something readers might be surprised to know about you? I serve as the president of the Tiffany Shackleford Foundation, established to honor my late wife who died from COVID. She was very active in journalism, and the foundation provides funding to help women and minorities advance in their careers in journalism through professional development. It is a very meaningful way for me to honor and remember her.

Favorite song? "Three Little Birds," Bob Marley.