Brian Wanko Email & Phone Number

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Senior Legislative Director covering the federal budget process and tax issues, including directing NCSL's State and Local Taxation Task Force and NCSL's Budgets and Revenue Standing Committee.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Legislative director of budgets and revenue focusing on the federal budget process, public finance, and the intersection of federal and state revenues and taxes. Key Achievements:-As director of National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) State and Local Taxation (SALT) Taskforce, created a strategy to reinvigorate the coalition of state legislators and private sector members focused on tax policy and successfully increased legislative participation by 30 percent, including the addition of six new states as participants, and increased new corporate sponsorship by 20 percent.-Identified a need to refresh NCSL policy on marketplace facilitation and infrastructure taxation based on stakeholder engagement that culminated in the updating of four integral taxation policies.-Directed the collaboration between state legislators and private sectors members in the timely creation of a comprehensive SALT report entitled, “State and Local Tax Consideration of Remote Work Arrangements” as states adapt their tax laws and systems to the permanence of hybrid and remote work environments.-Headed the Budgets and Revenue Committee that advocated, through press releases and written articles, for responsible and timely passage of a federal budget on behalf of state interests during a time of threatened federal shutdowns and defaults while educating state legislators on the potential adverse impacts on their states.-Integrated the DC-based budgets and revenue work with the Denver-based fiscal policy team for better internal cooperation to the benefit of state legislators, including updating policy reports and primers on property tax, disaster relief, and marketplace facilitators.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

InterAction is a coalition of over 200 U.S. based nonprofits working globally in humanitarian and developmental assistance. As Senior Manager, led a team to successfully implement advocacy strategies, create policy platforms, and establish committees to drive advocacy. Engaged with Senior Government Officials and Policy Makers to ensure support from multiple stakeholders.Key Achievements:-Built relationships which provided grants and dues exceeding $800K for civil society program to address partnerships with the US government.-Created policy platforms supported by multiple stakeholders, engaging policymakers for authorization and appropriations, and ensuring optimal implementation and oversight.-Worked across policy sectors to advocate for legislation supporting civil society organizations, including work on procurement, foreign registration and NGO neutrality, and staunch support for democracy, rights, and governance.-Established a general counsel committee representing a dozen organizations with aligned advocacy through successfully addressing regulatory impediments, indirect cost rate changes, tax issues, register notices and funding restrictions and inflexibilities.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Launched a pioneering initiative that solidified relationships within the DRG sector in a time of global divide and emergence of harmful juntas, dictators, and oligarchies.Key Achievements:-Convened executives and staff from nine NGOs to establish robust communication and integrate DRG priorities within the broader assistance community’s advocacy agenda.-Spearheaded congressional advocacy that led to appropriations bills for Fiscal Years 2015 through 2020, including $2.3-2.4 billion in annual DRG programming set asides. -Acquired pro-bono legal counsel of a globally recognized firm to represent the non-profit community and to support civil society initiatives.

Washington, Dc

Policy advisor to the Chairman and members of the Subcommittee during a precarious time of transatlantic economic, security, and political relations. Produced policy and political support focused on the European fiscal crisis, debate on allied funding of NATO, and backsliding of democratic principles across the continent.Key Achievements:-Set agenda for thirteen hearings that examined topics such as defense, regional energy security, democracy building, and trade relations.-Oversaw budgets for State Department, USAID, and other government agencies.-As lead staffer, developed legislation, wrote speeches, press releases, congressional reports, and statements for the record.-In organizing six congressional oversight trips, was responsible for travel itinerary, scheduling of high-level meetings, and consulted with US and foreign embassies and US diaspora groups.

Washington, Dc

Advocate for a non-profit coalition comprised of over two hundred Fortune 500 companies, global law firms, and businesses focused on better hemispheric relations.Key Achievements:-Managed four annual Washington Conferences on the Americas attended by hundreds of participants that hosted US and foreign dignitaries, including US and foreign presidents and cabinet members.-Developed and implemented outreach strategy for congressional and administration relations. This included developing advocacy letters, media engagement, white papers, and hosting panels and public events featuring business and political leaders.-Organized high-level meetings between the private and public sectors to discuss hemispheric policy, the state of regional investment climates, and concerns of US exporters and business abroad.

Washington, Dc

Policy advisor supporting Chairman and committee members and its Staff Director.Key Achievements:-Managed oversight of government agencies relating to security, humanitarian, development, and trade promotion, including free and fair trade.-Developed bills and resolutions focused on stronger bilateral ties.-Orchestrated meetings between committee members and US and foreign officials, including dinners, meetings, and roundtables.-Developed policy briefs prior to delegations and hearings for representatives and was responsible for all subcommittee reporting.-Served as the treasurer for the US-Canada Interparliamentary Group and oversaw an annual budget of $250k that supported a yearly weekend conference for US members of congress and their Canadian colleagues.

Washington, Dc

Administrator that orchestrated protocol, US archive, and congressional record compliance while providing policy support.Key Achievements:-Clerked all subcommittee hearings and business meetings.-Scheduled and organized official meetings for the chair and members of the subcommittee.-Produced briefing books for congressional delegations.

Hired post-internship with the committee to lead front office duties.Key Achievements:-Provided general administrative duties, clerked multiples hearings, whipped members of congress to participate in committee events.-Supported senior staff during committee-managed house floor procedures.-Representational duties with high-level US and foreign officials, civil society leaders, and academics prior to chair and senior staff meetings and congressional hearings.

Master Of Arts, International Commerce And Policy

Areas of study include Macro- and Microeconomics, Emerging Markets, Global Political Economy, International Trade Relations, International.

Bachelor Of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies - International Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - International Studies with a cognate in Comparative Politics. Business emphasis.