Rick C. Wade Email and Phone Number

• Develops and implements programs and initiatives to help the Chamber create new business relationships and partnerships across diverse audiences• Provides counsel on policy issues• Leads special projects• Serves as voice of business across the country

• Serve as principal of a global business consulting firm that utilizes a vast network of resources in the United States and around the world to help small and mid-size businesses expand into new markets. • Develop strategic business alliances that lead to revenue growth.

Directed domestic and global strategies for a start-up manufacturer of energy efficient and electric vehicles. Served as liaison to China private sector partners, U.S. Embassy in China as well as other high ranking government officials. Involved in the development of joint ventures for the production and sale of vehicles around the world.

Served as top advisor and spokesman for Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. Integrally involved in all Secretary-level decision-making processes. Helped to manage all aspects of the department including budget, policies, programs and personnel. Represented the United States at global trade forums to include the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade; Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation; African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum; and the Conference on the Caribbean and Central America. Worked as Special Envoy to the Caribbean; oversaw private sector initiatives in Haiti; and led trade missions around the world. Served as liaison to the White House, Congress, state governments, businesses, trade associations, civic organizations, faith community and other external stakeholders. Served as a White House Mentor and Member of White House Task Forces on Puerto Rico, Small Business Contracting, Auto-Recovery, Military Families, and Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Served on the Interagency Business Council and Vice President Joe Biden’s Task Force on Middle Class America.

Assisted with the transition of President-Elect Barack Obama. Served as liaison to various national leaders. Developed transparent process to receive citizen input on key policy issues. Served as liaison to Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC).

Advised presidential candidate Barack Obama and campaign on policy and political matters. Served as spokesman and led teams at the local, regional and national levels. Assisted in the development and execution of Early State Strategy, particularly in Iowa and South Carolina. Successfully developed and executed strategic outreach plan to educate and mobilize unprecedented numbers of African American voters during the Primary and General Elections. Served as liaison to political, faith, business and Civil Rights leaders as well as athletes and entertainers.

Developed and executed business development strategies for Palmetto GBA, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, including a plan to diversify the company’s portfolio and increase market share. Developed outreach plan to educate members of Congress, stakeholders and citizens about the nation’s Medicare program. Served as Community Liaison and managed various philanthropic initiatives.

Assisted with the development and execution of strategies to meet marketing, public relations, government affairs and other needs of various business and government clients. Worked to increase client base.

Directed a statewide system of agencies that provided substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services for the citizens of South Carolina. Advised the governor and state legislature on related policy issues. Managed a $70 million budget and nearly 1200 employees. Implemented a strategic plan to improve citizen customer service; enhanced agency accountability; and promoted diversity and employee retention. Served as liaison to federal agencies and developed collaborative partnerships with community organizations and allied groups.

Represented Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., an international pharmaceutical manufacturing company, to members of Congress as well as federal and state government officials. Managed the corporate political programs including the Political Action Committee (PAC). Educated and mobilized employees around company and industry issues through an organized grassroots initiative. Facilitated the development of business, government and community partnerships. Advised corporate executives on policy issues related to the pharmaceutical industry.

Served as chief advisor and spokesman for Lieutenant Governor Nick Theodore. Analyzed legislation and advised the Lt. Governor on various policy matters. Developed initiatives to advance the Lt. Governor’s agenda. Managed office affairs and personnel. Oversaw Lt. Governor’s Task Force on Small and Minority Business Development.

Advised the president and senior university officials on legislative and community issues. Participated in executive level planning and decision-making. Served as liaison to the state legislature, congressional offices, state agencies, community leaders and the general public. Facilitated university and community collaboration. Developed historic Five Point Plan to enhance diversity in administration, faculty retention, student recruitment, business contracting and community collaboration.

Drafted, analyzed and presented legislation related to the budgetary and financial matters of the state. Assisted in the formulation of the state budget. Made frequent presentations and recommendations to members of the legislature and other government officials.