As the public affairs principal for this publicly-traded, $2.9 billion restaurant/retail Company, I was responsible for Federal Government Relations, State Government Relations, PAC Management and Compliance (in-house, federal and state), Political Affairs, Stakeholder and Issues Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility functions. I engaged on behalf of the Company with federal and state governments plus industry, association, political, activist, and community stakeholders. I protected profitability, enhanced the company's operating environment, and helped manage its regulatory and reputational risks through lobbying and grassroots advocacy, industry and political stakeholder relationships, and political and philanthropic investments. I also contributed strategic thinking, leadership and subject matter expertise toward the development of corporate policies, programs and projects, and to the company's issues management, crisis management, corporate social responsibility, brand reputation, and enterprise risk management efforts.

I managed all of the Company's Government Relations matters, including federal, state and local government relations, strategic leadership and management of Cracker Barrel PAC, and federal and state trade association relations. As a department head, I also successfully managed a relatively-small yet incredibly-complex budget, as well as all administrative matters and a direct report.

I served as the state legislative "hub" for the National Restaurant Association, its 50+ state restaurant association partners, and the NRA's chain restaurant company state government affairs professionals. I tracked state legislation, gathered and promoted the sharing of legislative information and updates among NRA's state stakeholders, researched issues, and developed information resources for industry use.

I researched and wrote articles on federal and state restaurant legislative issues for the Association's flagship weekly public affairs newsletter and for other publications.*Worked with graphic design staff to produce 40+ four-page newsletter issues per year.*Drafted and edited position papers, testimony, op-eds, and articles.*Interviewed Association leaders and members about public affairs subjects.*Photographed Association members, staff, and stakeholders at public affairs events.

*As Legislative Assistant, I researched, tracked and reported to Congressman Petri and his senior Washington staff on numerous federal legislative issues. I represented the Congressman in meetings with lobbyists, constituents, other congressional staff, media, and interest groups, and drafted “Dear Colleague” letters, testimony, speeches, and other statements.*As Legislative Correspondent, I managed constituent contacts and wrote correspondence and other communications on legislative issues.*As Caseworker, I worked actively with federal executive branch agencies to help resolve constituent issues.

I researched and tracked state legislative issues affecting the civil helicopter industry. I conducted the first survey of association members regarding the tourism segment of the industry, and engaged with association and board leaders and volunteered at HAI’s trade show, HELI-Expo.