Spider alum is driving change at Lyft

When Jerry Golden, ’99, needs a ride in D.C., he orders a Lyft — he hasn’t owned a car since college. When he jumps in the back seat, he always chats with the driver. Golden isn’t passionate about driving cars himself. But as Lyft’s chief policy officer, he’s invested in the driver experience.

At Lyft, there are two customers: the riders and the drivers. Golden’s goal is to connect them. He’s also the company’s point person on potential rideshare legislation, ensuring that policymakers are aware of its potential impact on riders and drivers. “It’s establishing trust and credibility, providing reliable public policy expertise, strategic relationship management, understanding what would move the needle in a meaningfully positive way,” he said.

After graduating from UR with a political science degree, he was broad-minded as he began his professional career, accepting projects that no one else wanted. It built on his experiences at UR. “I genuinely believe in the power of social connection, which aligns well with my career path, including the ‘serve and connect’ purpose of my current employer,” he said. “I also find that the more you have the opportunity to hone expertise and make a meaningful impact, the more you find that work fulfilling.”

His skill set has always been in public policy and government affairs. But it’s a tough line of work. He’s on call when needed on nights, weekends, and vacations. “You need to show up the right way when it matters,” he said.

For Golden, the most rewarding experience is the social impact. At Lyft, his team launches projects like Lyft Up, which provides free and low-cost rides for communities in need, and Round Up & Donate, where riders can set their accounts to round fares up to the nearest dollar, regularly contributing that small change to support a nonprofit of their choice. “When you’re lucky and you’re in the right place,” he said, “it doesn’t always feel like work because you’re passionate about what you’re doing.”