David Thomas Email & Phone Number

Washington, Dc, Us

The US-China Business Council (USCBC) is a "private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of over 270 American companies that do business with China." With offices in Washington, DC, Beijing and Shanghai, USCBC's mission is to "expand the US-China commercial relationship to the benefit of its membership and, more broadly, the US economy." Reporting to USCBC's President, I lead our DC office and its 20-plus staff working in the areas of government affairs, business advisory services, communications and publications, programs, and internal administration, IT and finance matters. I also oversee USCBC's strategic planning and execution, manage our CEO-level board of directors, and partner with our China offices to align our efforts before the U.S. and Chinese governments.

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

Led this association's global policy and international trade efforts, advocating the video game industry’s interests with the U.S. and foreign governments and international organizations on market access, tax, intellectual property rights and other public policy areas.

Miami, Florida, Us

As a lobbyist and attorney, advised and represented clients on international economic policy and legal issues before Congress and the Executive Branch. Collaborated with various levels of companies to understand their goals and execute government affairs strategies to achieve them.

Miami, Florida, Us

Represented businesses on federal legislative and regulatory matters related to trade and other issues. Provided government affairs advice and drafted regulatory filings.

Established TFA in January 2018 as an independent initiative supported by Business Roundtable to promote to policymakers and the public the importance of expanding U.S. trade. Showed the value of trade to communities around the country through local forums featuring public and private sector stakeholders and local op-eds and media appearances. At the request of Business Roundtable, I chaired TFA for six months to provide additional advice to its executive director and founding members (American Farm Bureau Federation, Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce).

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

Business Roundtable (BRT) is "an association of chief executive officers of America’s leading companies working to promote a thriving U.S. economy and expanded opportunity for all Americans through sound public policy." I led BRT's public policy and government relations efforts to achieve the trade and other international economic policy goals of its 200 CEO members and their companies. I collaborated with my colleagues on tax, technology, education / workforce, and other policy issues. I worked closely with members of Congress and their staff, White House and Executive Branch agency officials, and foreign government officials. I prepared and joined BRT CEOs and DC offices in meetings with such officials and for their testimony before Congress. I managed BRT staff and consultants at eight firms to devise and execute lobbying, communications, and grassroots strategies advancing BRT public policy goals.➢ Federal Advocacy: Lobbied members of Congress and their staff as well as White House and Executive Branch officials, and played major roles in coalitions that accomplished: • Passage of legislation to reform CFIUS and export controls in 2018 • Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank in 2012, 2014 and 2015 • Passage of Russia PNTR (WTO accession) legislation in 2012 • Passage of the U.S.-Colombia, Panama, and South Korea FTA bills in 2011➢ Team and Coalition Leadership: Established and headed a 280-member coalition (Trade Benefits America) that successfully lobbied for the 2015 Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) law. Managed a 20-person team to develop and implement a $5 million public affairs issue campaign supporting TPA’s passage.➢ Consensus Building: Worked with BRT members with diverse interests to identify and advance their common policy priorities with respect to U.S.-China trade talks, NAFTA modernization negotiations, and Sections 301 and 232 tariffs.

I served as staff lead on a range of international economic issues (WTO and FTA negotiations like TPP and U.S.-Peru FTA, technology and intellectual property issues, customs/supply chain issues) and geographic regions (Asia-Pacific, Russia, Europe, South America). I worked with White House and Executive Branch officials, private sector stakeholders, and foreign governments to advance common interests. I also managed hearings, drafted and negotiated legislation, and represented Ways & Means Members’ views on trips and in speeches.➢ Legislation: Led on Congressional passage of the U.S.-Peru FTA bill in 2007 and the Trade Adjustment Assistance bills in 2009 and 2011, shepherding these bills through the legislative process.➢ Regulatory Matters: Exercised oversight of rulemaking and other activities of USTR, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Treasury, and the Department of Homeland Security / Customs and Border Protection on matters within my portfolio.➢ Negotiations: Negotiated the trade policy provisions in the PRO-IP legislation enacted in 2008. Helped negotiate the “May 10, 2007” trade deal between the Administration and Congress that enabled the U.S. FTAs with Peru, Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.

At this international law and lobbying firm, my job involved using the following skills:➢ Legislative / Regulatory Advocacy: As a lobbyist and lawyer, I advocated for companies, associations, and public sector entities on a range of federal matters, including telecom, transportation, trade, tax, health, environment, homeland security, and appropriations. ➢ Business Development / Client Management: I generated new business for the firm, and I managed colleagues, clients, and projects for multiple firm partners at a time. ➢ Political Ethics / PAC Advice: I served as a primary advisor to the firm, its clients, and their political action committees on political ethics and campaign finance matters.

Doctor Of Law - Jd, Law

Bachelor'S Degree, Magna Cum Laude, English (Major) And Economics (Minor)