Betsy Thompson Email & Phone Number

Washington, D.C.

• Advise C-Suite executives of cutting-edge, emerging tech startups in the national security space on winning strategies to impact the policy landscape in Washington, D.C.
• Proven track record securing clients millions of dollars in appropriations and key policies in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• Develop strategies and engagement plans to achieve clients’ aggressive goals to support their bottom line.
• Introduce clients to key Members of Congress and lobby for their federal priorities.
• Track and achieve workstream success against key objectives and quarterly milestones.
• Advise clients on officials to engage in the Administration and Department of Defense.

Washington, D.C.

• Led 3 client teams and served as key advisor on 8 additional client teams.
• Advised clients on the policy landscape in Washington, D.C. as well as how to successfully leverage the NDAA and appropriations processes.
• Secured millions of dollars in appropriations and key policy language in the NDAA.
• Collaborated with my team to craft creative solutions for clients.
• Managed 3 associates and advised on their work products.

Office Of The Assistant Secretary Of Defense For Legislative Affairs

• Presented with the Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
• Proudly served the Biden/Harris Administration in support of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.
• Collaborated with Capitol Hill on Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) priorities and initiatives.
• Managed a team of military servicemembers, civilians, and interns.
• Prepared principals for Congressional testimony, briefings, and engagements with Congress.
• Successfully prepared several political nominees for confirmation hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee and their eventual confirmation by the U.S. Senate, including the USD(A&S).

Office Of The Assistant Secretary Of Defense For Legislative Affairs

• Collaborated with Capitol Hill on Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) priorities and initiatives.
• Prepared principals for Congressional testimony, briefings, and engagements with Congress.
• Leveraged my prior experience on Capitol Hill and expertise of the annual National Defense Authorization Act to successfully advocate for Department priorities and ensure a positive working relationship between the.
• Held a TS/SCI clearance.
• Supported the following offices: - Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense - Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy

Washington, D.C.

• Principal advisor to Congressman Garamendi in his role as Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), which is responsible for authorizing nearly one-third of the DOD budget
• Worked closely with Readiness Subcommittee staff to shape the Congressman’s priorities & scope Subcommittee hearings & briefings. Focus areas included strengthening resiliency of military installations & operational.
• Managed the Congressman's work on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, tasked with oversight of our nation’s nuclear weapons, missile defense, & national security space programs
• Led efforts to advance the Congressman’s priorities in the National Defense Authorization Act by drafting amendments, building support among Member offices, working with committee staff, & finding solutions to.
• Managed a diverse team comprised of two defense & foreign policy fellows each year
• Interacted daily with Senior Leaders in the DOD to include the Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, & Space Force

Washington, D.C.

• Managed the Congressman’s House Armed Services Committee (HASC) portfolio, of which he served on the Seapower and Projection Forces and Strategic Forces Subcommittees.
• Advanced the Congressman’s priorities in the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
• Primary focus was on military, nuclear defense, space, cybersecurity, intelligence, and foreign affairs issues.
• Staffed the Congressman at hearings, prepared questions, and provided briefing materials.
• Conducted research, prepared legislative proposals, and provided vote recommendations.
• Coordinated quarterly events and conducted outreach to increase bipartisan support for the Congressional Peace Corps Caucus, Ethiopian-American Caucus, and Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).

Washington, D.C.

Managed Congressman Garamendi's renewable energy, natural resources, environment, animal rights, foreign affairs, science and technology, small business, housing, and consumer affairs portfolios, often working collaboratively with senior staff. Through this work, I regularly analyzed policy, prepared memos, took meetings with stakeholders, and developed.

Washington, D.C.

Collaborated with legislative staff on various projects related to the environment and natural resources. I also wrote memos, talking points, and speeches for Congressman Garamendi, ensured positive constituent relations via phone and email correspondence, and assisted the scheduler in managing the Congressman’s busy agenda, which enhanced my.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Six-week seminar series for Congressional staff who currently advise U.S. policymakers. The program connects fellows with leading foreign policy thinkers and practitioners to engage in thoughtful dialogue and foster new perspectives on the nation's most pressing foreign policy and national security challenges. The program focuses on the Middle East, North.

Arlington, VA

Demonstrated product knowledge, merchandising, and customer service by outfitting customers with appropriate gear and travel accessories. I also assisted with floor-sets, store stocking, opening and closing procedures, and operated the cash register to efficiently process transactions.

Malibu, CA

Researched political issues, tracked news sources, and generated content for Open Campaign's website during its development stage. This included writing objective news articles and preparing profile pages on various legislative issues before the website went live. This opportunity provided me with valuable insight into the operations of a start-up as well.

Pepperdine University

Organized dozens of events on campus to spread awareness of human rights issues, developed strategies to recruit and engage a diverse group of students, managed our Chapter’s budget, handled travel arrangements for speakers, collaborated with numerous departments on campus to acquire funding, and engaged in community outreach.

Supervised swim areas to ensure safety for all swimmers and teams, CPR & First Aid Certified

Led three to four tours each summer as travel expert and chaperone. I also researched and created itineraries for each destination including Europe, Washington, D.C., New York City, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Education record

Courses Completed: Strategy and War

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), International Studies, Political Science Emphasis

Activities and Societies: Amnesty International Chapter, Italian Club, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, Musical.

Education record

Studied and worked with Kibo Group, Abide, Hackers for Charity, and other NGOs in Jinja, Uganda, for three weeks to learn how to.

Education record

Studied abroad for the academic year in Florence, Italy, and gained new perspective and learned valuable life skills through being.