Erin Shaffer Email and Phone Number

Results driven, determined, experienced advocate and lawyer with extensive results in developing, inspiring and leading diverse teams to achieve a common objective. Experience serving in positions with the US Senate -both personal and committee staff- federal government, Fortune 30 company and non-profits. Specialize in strategic planning and organization, policy development, communications, leading and managing people, and advocacy representing business and non-profit organizations. Significant expertise working with a range of environmental, sustainability, energy, natural resource, and climate legislation and regulation for business and non-profits. Experienced with driving market transformation, developing strategic federal agency relationships, and speaking to all levels of private sector and government leaders.

Utilized strategic networking with federal agency representatives to access up-to-date information of a special report to be used in the formulation of a proposed rulemaking. Provided advise to the Association staff on likelihood of outcome and possible action steps.

Consultant to the Green Building Initiative (GBI), a Portland, Oregon based 501(c)3 organization that provides sustainability assessment and certification services to help reduce building operational costs, meet federal mandates, and increase the marketability of buildings. Recognized as a national spokesperson and a leader in strategic planning, advocacy and team building for GBI from 2007 through 2014. Initiated effective positioning and earned federal market share for GBI, a start-up organization, within a challenging environment against a significantly better funded organization with a monopoly position. Strategic advisor to GBI, providing political and organizational direction, initiating and executing both new product development and the outreach and marketing plan for the federal marketplace, success evidenced by multiple agency's use of GBI certification systems. Initiated and executed a comprehensive strategy at both the Congressional and Administrative level to effectively build credibility and competitively position GBI as a leader in the sustainability marketplace. Successful in developing policy and market recognition within the federal agencies evidenced by federal policy changes specifically recognizing GBI's certification systems. Initiated GBI's testimony before numerous U.S. House and Senate Committees increasing the organization's credibility; testified before federal agencies including GSA and FTC; provided over 500 presentations at federal agency and private sector meetings and conferences around the country. Identified the market opportunity for development of a new certification program through meetings with federal agency teams, and directed GBI development of the GPC certification systems now used by numerous federal agencies.

Recognized as a leader in strategic planning, policy development, execution of successful advocacy campaigns and team building on multiple complex domestic and international environmental issues. Initiated and managed one of the largest, multi-year advocacy and communications campaigns, harnessing federal and state company resources, including communications, public affairs, regulatory and legal departments as well as employees, retirees and vendors, resulting in $1.5 billion savings for Fortune 30 company. Initiated and managed the first ever "Environmental Issues Team" consisting of leaders from across the company to advise the CEO on high-profile environmental issues. Spearheaded the "Global Climate Change" team for the industry consisting of member company’s state and federal government affairs, regulatory affairs, communications, and legal department representatives. Advocated for and earned recognition by the White House for the economic benefits offered by industry. Spoke at international meetings on the company's behalf, successfully advocating for incorporation of company research into international scientific discussions.

Legal Experience includes: research, write opinions and briefs, analyze environmental statutes and regulations; provide advice regarding environmental statute's impact on business activities. Particular focus on CERCLA; RCRA; CWA; and CAA.

Designed and managed a program providing technical assistance to state environmental and health commissioners to address a range of toxic substances issues at the state level. Initiated outreach to agency department heads to access technical expertise, staff resources and financial support to address priority multi-media toxics issues of concern at the state and federal level. Initiated, secured funding and managed a pilot project for use of a new technology to assist state commissioners to communicate with EPA/OPTS for early action in addressing several priority toxics issues including recommendation for its use in emergency preparedness planning. Recognized by EPA management for outstanding work and leadership; awarded an EPA supported one year “Congressional Detail".

On detail from the US EPA: Initiated and managed committee hearings before the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on a range of environmental issues including asbestos in buildings and RCRA re-authorization issues. Advised the Senator on issues before the committee; initiated and managed briefings for committee staff; represented the Senator before constituents; and gave presentations on the Senator's behalf.

Initiated outreach to Senator Jackson requesting an internship while a student at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Upon acceptance by the Senator, initiated and designed a project based on the "Future of the US Energy Policy" and sought sponsorship by a UW professor. Relocated to Washington, DC to work in the Senator's office. Served as staff to the Senator while also working to complete my energy policy project. Upon successful completion of the project, received Undergraduate Degree, BA Political Science.