EXPERIENCE

Director of Policy and Advocacy

City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services| Chicago, IL | June 2022- Present

Spearheaded the development and execution of comprehensive short- and long-term policy and legislative strategies, grounded in thorough needs assessments and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Cultivated and maintained strategic relationships with elected officials at the municipal, state, and federal levels, providing crucial guidance on relationship strategy to senior leadership. Delivered expert policy and legislative analysis, informing critical policy and political decisions for the Commissioner and executive team. Directed external engagement initiatives, serving as the primary liaison to the Mayor's Office and federal intergovernmental affairs staff. Successfully led and mentored a team of three Policy Analysts, fostering a high-performing policy and advocacy unit. Represented the Department on mandated Councils and Committees, ensuring effective participation and advocacy. Additionally, served as Acting Public Information Officer (April 2023 – February 2025), and managed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as Assistant FOIA Officer, demonstrating strong communication and compliance skills.

Examples of key successes include:

● Successful passage of Chicago ordinance O2023-00057793 to reauthorize the Flexible Housing Pool program.

● Securing FY24 federal earmark funding for the city of Chicago’s shelter infrastructure program.

● Passage of a proclamation honoring Older Americans month in May 2024 in the Chicago City Council.

Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs

Washington State Department of Natural Resources | Olympia, WA | Jan 2020- May 2022

Successfully developed and executed strategic legislative plans, achieving key short- and long-term departmental objectives. Directed the department's legislative portfolio, strategically managing both proactive and defensive initiatives. Provided critical policy and legislative analysis to the Commissioner and executive leadership on complex policy and political matters, informing key decisions. Prepared comprehensive briefing materials, testimony, Q&A documents, and official correspondence for senior leadership. Managed and mentored a Legislative Manager and Legislative Coordinator, fostering a high-performing team. Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with state legislators, Congressional staff, and Gubernatorial officials, serving as the primary departmental liaison. Additionally, served as Acting Legislative Director (April 2021 – July 2021), demonstrating leadership and seamless continuity during a critical transition period.

Examples of key successes include:

● Unanimous passage of Washington State’s House Bill 1168 and securing a $125M biennial investment in wildfire response, forest health, and community resilience.

● Modernizing Washington state's urban forestry program (HB 1216) to improve health and equity outcomes for all Washington communities.

Legislative Coordinator/Legislative Manager

Washington State Department of Natural Resources | Olympia, WA Nov 2018-Jan 2020

Coordinated communications materials, weekly legislative calendars, and provides support to the Legislative Director, Executive Management, and related team members. Led the planning for interim legislative tours and events. Worked with internal staff to conduct research on key policy issues and oversees agency bill analysis process. Formulated and implemented legislative training for agency of over 1500 employees.

Presales Forester

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

| Enumclaw, WA

Nov 2017-Nov 2018

Supervised check cruiser and coordinated review of multi-million dollar timber sales.

Forestry Crew Leader

Openlands | Chicago, IL | Sept 2016-Aug 2017

Supervised two-member seasonal crew and created and implemented management and care plan for thousands of trees planted on public land in Chicago. Trained and managed hundreds of volunteers in tree planting and tree care.

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birthways, Inc. | Chicago, IL | Sept 2016-Aug 2017

Created and implemented advocacy and care plans for birthing families, and provided non-medical comfort measure support during labor and delivery. Taught childbirth education classes for expecting parents. Served as breastfeeding consultant’s assistant. Cared for infants aged newborn-12 months.

Utility Forester

Davey Resource Group | Chicago, IL

Sept 2016-Aug 2017

Worked as an urban forester and provided management planning for hundreds of miles of electrical circuits in and around the Chicago metropolitan area. Acted as primary liaison to local officials and homeowners in obtaining appropriate approvals for management plan. Supervised tree crews performing vegetation management around power lines.

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