Lauryn Bernier Schothorst Email & Phone Number

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Responsible for developing and representing the Minnesota Chamber’s positions on labor-management, education, child care, and workforce development issues before the legislature and state agencies. Serve as an alternative on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC), an affiliate of the Minnesota P-20 Education Partnership, and as a member of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council. Fulfill additional assignments to state task forces as statutorily designated.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Responsible for developing and representing the Minnesota Chamber’s positions on energy, labor-management, and telecommunications issues before the legislature and state agencies.

United States

The Business Leads Fellowship Program develops business leaders to be education and workforce champions in their community, and help better connect education systems and students to opportunity. The Business Leads Fellowship Program is an in-person training designed to grow a new, informed coalition of business leadership on education and workforce issues in communities across the country. Originally scheduled to be completed in July 2020; postponed in response to COVID-19.

Minnesota, United States

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest and premier business advocacy organization. For a select group, Leadership Minnesota opens the window to a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our state’s economy tick. This exclusive program also helps participants understand how public policy crafted at the Capitol impacts the vitality of each and every Minnesota company. By establishing a rich network of Minnesota business leaders, the shared experiences make participants more effective leaders at their workplace.

Pennsylvania'S 6Th Congressional District

Created brand and developed strategic operations plan for newly-elected Member of Congress, establishing trust and credibility with constituency resulting in reelection in 2016. Aligned Member brand and policy priorities with those of core constituencies and committee assignments. Established, coordinated, and implemented communications, outreach, and political strategies to carry out operations plan and Member priorities. Oversaw and contributed to daily content creation and curation, as well as message delivery, in engaging ways (e.g. digital advertising, email newsletters, social media and website, surveys, direct mail, and earned media). Developed robust subscription-based and organic following through compelling content, generating distribution lists of 30K+ readers/followers. Prepared Member for local and national media. Built coalitions to advance legislative priorities, including passage, adoption, and enactment of Member’s legislation/amendments. Resolved a variety of challenges and crises in political, operational, and managerial capacities. Developed and executed successful strategy to place Member on Energy & Commerce in Member’s 2nd term. Selected to serve as Team Captain to 15 other House Chiefs of Staff. Advised on management of $1.3M budget and all operations/personnel matters for 14 staff members across 3 offices in DC and PA in support of Member’s retirement.

Pennsylvania'S 6Th Congressional District

Created and implemented communications and outreach strategies to advance Member’s legislative priorities and role on Ways & Means. Developed public policy agenda in alignment with committee assignment and priorities for the district. Managed $1.3M budget and 15 staff members across 5 offices in DC and PA; oversaw office operations and all hiring/personnel matters. Coordinated fundraising and political strategy prior to Member’s retirement announcement.

Played major role in successful campaigns in one of the most politically competitive districts in the country. Established tactical reelection and political communications strategies in the nation’s fourth-largest media market, resulting in reelection in turbulent 2016 election cycle. Created outreach materials for target populations; provided content for candidate questionnaires and debate prep materials. Prepared opposition research and utilization proposals. Identified major candidate vulnerabilities and formulated effective proactive or response strategies.

Pennsylvania'S 6Th Congressional District

Developed, monitored, and carried out legislative agenda through aggressive strategic outreach and constituent communications programs. Collaborated significantly with Press Secretary to develop messaging materials. Managed 5-person team in the preparation of legislation, speeches, talking points, and correspondence. Contributed legislative and communications insights to the development of successful campaign strategies and Member reelection.

Pennsylvania'S 6Th Congressional District; New York'S 29Th Congressional District

Served as legislative staff for two Members of Congress, earning multiple promotions and quickly rising from Legislative Correspondent to the position of Senior Legislative Assistant. Planned, built, and maintained legislative initiatives in, and all support materials for, a broad policy portfolio including: House Ways & Means Committee assignment, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee assignment, House Agriculture Committee assignment, energy, appropriations, environment, immigration, telecommunications, trade, natural resources, rural development, budget, science & technology, postal, housing, and the arts. Prepared legislation, messaging materials, and memos. Communicated with relevant stakeholders to build support for and advance Member initiatives and priorities. Drafted correspondence to constituent outreach. Established and managed proactive microtargeting outreach programs.

Executive Mba, Business

Bachelor Of Arts, English

Graduated cum laude. National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Georgetown University Chapter, Inducted 2003. Overseas Studies Program.