Provides leadership, coordination and strategic vision in support of legislative advocacy goals. Works to ensure the organization is highly-regarded for its professionalism, advocacy and service. Articulates positions on legislation to legislators. Works directly with government officials and staff at the state and local levels. Serves as a critical conduit and information source for the organization membership while working to lead them toward the achievement of desired legislative and policy outcomes. Works to coordinate legislative staff to achieve organization objectives. Coordinates with the Legislative Committee to develop annual legislative agenda and determine positions on legislation. Coordinates professional advocacy publications and legislative website content. Works with the membership to grow participation and build effective teams to address legislative issues. Conveys policy knowledge through preparation and presentation of testimony before legislative committees. Provides legislative briefings for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Coordinates advocacy activities with regional municipal organizations and contract lobbyists in support of shared objectives.

Policy analysis and legislative advocacy on behalf of municipal governments. Issue areas included personnel and pensions, labor, and revenue policy. Prepared and presented testimony before legislative committees. Articulated positions on legislation to legislators. Worked cooperatively with municipal managers on public policy matters and identification of emerging issues. Managed governmental affairs website presence. Coordinated legislative publications and communications. Media spokesperson on matters coinciding with assigned issue areas.

Policy analysis and legislative advocacy on behalf of municipal governments. Issue areas include personnel and pensions, labor, and revenue policy. Conveyed positions on legislation to legislators. Worked cooperatively with municipal managers on public policy matters and identification of emerging issues.

Reviewed legislation to identify the potential imposition of new state mandates under the Illinois State Mandates Act. Submitted mandate and fiscal notes to assist state legislators in determining positions on legislation.

The James H. Dunn Fellowship is a competitive Fellowship program that seeks to place qualified candidates with key leaders in the executive branch of state government. Assigned to work with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Jim Edgar.