Lead for US state and local governmental affairs, including state policy and legislative affairs and local solar project permitting.

Successfully organized and led an industry-wide ad hoc coalition effort to obtain state trade organizationsupport for an inflation contract adjustment in New York. Received accolades across the industry for the initiative displayed in organizing the effort and the professionalism and effectiveness of the effort. Monitored and influenced state legislatures and public service commissions including testifying before the Louisiana Legislature as part of a successful industry effort to add salvage value language to adecommissioning billElected as the Chair of the Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association and Vice-Chair of theSouthern Renewable Energy AssociationIdentified and successfully recruited the first legislative director for the Southern Renewable Energy AssociationUtilized industry contacts to identify new project sites for renewable energy development across the United StatesPrepared presentations for Apex’s executive leadership and participated in strategy discussions withexecutive managementMonitored and analyzed MISO policy developments,including interconnection queue reform and the LRTPtransmission planning process, particularly as it relates to Tranche 3 and 4 in the MISO-South Region

Monitored and influenced state legislatures and public service commissions across Southern Power’s fourteen-state footprint and prepare reports and presentations to staff and executive managementMonitored and influenced federal legislation and agency actions through the company’s Washington, DC officeManaged company lobbyists and outside counselParticipated in industry trade association activities to stay informed of proposed policy changes and to influence trade association prioritiesResolved complaints from neighbors to company facilities, including complaints where an elected official has been asked to interveneMaintained relationships with local elected officials representing areas with company assets across the company’s footprintManaged charitable donation requests related to company assetsElected by company peers to serve on the board for Southern Company’s PAC

Negotiated more than $100 million in tax incentives for Southern Power’s development activities including a 27-year, 80% property tax abatement for two natural-gas fired generation facilities under developmentParticipated in due diligence efforts for contemplated acquisition program – received numerous awards in recognition of exceptional due diligence-related workOvercame material project development challenges with creative problem-solving and a “can-do” attitude, while effectively mitigating risks to the companyIdentified state and local permitting required for greenfield development projects in the Northwest, Southwest and Central United States and sought state and local governmental approvals required for such projectsLed community and public affairs efforts to ensure local support for acquired projects as well as contemplated greenfield projectsManaged local contributions for thirteen generation facilities throughout a four state footprint

Provide strategic advice and assistance to Commissioner Carrington regarding financial, political, legal, and legislative issues affecting Jefferson County.Draft economic development project agreements and assist with the recruitment of businesses to Jefferson County. Research legal issues at the request of Commissioner Carrington. Review and comment on proposed regulations.Draft state legislation and lobby the Alabama legislature. Develop and implement legislative strategies. Accomplishments include the 2011 legislative approval of two bills I drafted and lobbied. Monitor proposed legislation and evaluate potential impacts. Assist Commissioner Carrington in communicating his message to the media, the business community, and the general public. Work closely with the County Manager's office, other Commissioners and Commission staff to strategically achieve Commission goals.

Provided government advocacy services. Managed the winning campaign of David Carrington for Jefferson County Commission. Mr. Carrington won election with 66% of the vote in a three person contest.Served as the lead contract lobbyist for the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Association. Helped advance previously stalled negotiations relating to a state bill providing for the electronic verification of automobile liability insurance -- the association's top legislative priority. The bill received legislative approval during the next session following my involvement.

Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Chamber’s public policy division, including management of division staff.Led the Chamber’s lobbying efforts at the state, local, and federal levels, including a successful effort to enact the Chamber’s top 2009 state legislative priority—legislation to change Jefferson County's form of government to a manager-commission form. Increased the Chamber’s visibility in Washington, DC through regular meetings and communication with established connections on the Hill.At the request of an important Chamber member, obtained approval of legislation creating minimum standards for contract security guards. Prior to personal involvement, the bill had languished for over ten years in the state legislature.Successfully advocated for passage of economic development legislation.Assisted a local transit authority in its successful effort to receive a $1.425 million federal earmark for the purchase of new buses.Drafted legislation and amendments for Chamber-backed bills.Strengthened the Chamber’s relationship with members of the state legislature, focusing attention on those lawmakers who had not been traditional Chamber allies.Utilized social media such as Twitter and Facebook to advance Chamber initiatives.Developed and maintained the content of The Caputo Report, the Chamber’s first public policy blog, in order to better communicate the Chamber’s public policy activities to its members.Led efforts to incorporate the Coalition for Regional Transportation, an entity that will advocate for the construction and completion of the Birmingham Northern Beltline—a long overdue project that will unlock North Jefferson County’s economic development potential. Successfully managed the production of several well-attended events, including the Annual Governor’s Luncheon, the Legislative Luncheon in Montgomery, Congressional Forums, and the Washington Fly-In.

Represented clients before the United States Congress, working closely with Members and staff of the Alabama Congressional Delegation and other Members of Congress on a variety of issues involving banking and financial services, healthcare, taxes, and trade.Participated in local, state, and federal political fundraising activities.Drafted legislation to meet client needs.Represented clients before the Alabama Legislature, developing strong relationships with both Republican and Democratic members.

Provided legal counsel to financial institutions concerning operational and regulatory matters.

Led efforts on behalf of Senator Shelby establish country of origin labeling for socks. Recent editions of the Almanac of American Politics acknowledge the Senator’s involvement in this accomplishment. Advised and briefed the Senator and senior staff on legislative issues including healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, tax, budget, pensions, international trade, social security, judicial matters, textiles, and steel.Worked with leadership and committee staff to achieve legislative priorities.Conducted meetings on behalf of the Senator with constituents, business leaders, and lobbyists. Successfully reorganized the bipartisan and bicameral Zero Capital Gains Tax Caucus, which was co-chaired by Senator Shelby.Worked with the Senator’s press secretary to ensure that the Senator’s legislative positions were clearly and accurately communicated to the media. Worked with legislative correspondents to develop responses to constituent mail.Represented the Senator at official events in Washington and Alabama.Provided assistance to constituents experiencing problems with federal agencies.