ANGELA WELSH RYAN
State Government
Springfield,IL
Summary
Experienced public policy and legislative affairs executive with years of demonstrated success in government relations, policy development, and team leadership. I am skilled in collaborating effectively with key decision-makers and influencers to advance initiatives, foster stakeholder relationships, and influence public policy. Proven track record in strategic planning, crisis management, and project execution within the public sector. I am eager to contribute my deep industry knowledge and leadership skills to a dynamic team, where I believe I can make a significant impact.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Legislative Affairs
Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission
Springfield, IL
02.2024 - 12.2024
- Led a cross-functional team to create short- and long-term advocacy projects on time and within budget, effectively managed project timelines and milestones using Microsoft project management tools
- Advised IGAC’s senior leadership and management on general policies, procedures, and guidelines for specific operations and services provided by IGAC
- Assisted IGAC’s external partners with procedural understanding and direction regarding the Commission services and served as a liaison for the Commissioners and the General Assembly and the Governor’s Administration including processes, policies, and operations
- Analyzed trends to identify potential growth opportunities, evaluated various solutions to address operational challenges, developed contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances
- Conducted surveys and research in other states for best practice and new advancements
- Continued education and career development
Bureau Chief for Legislative Affairs
Illinois Department Health Care and Family Services
Springfield, IL
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Attended seminars, conferences, and training to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties
- Designed and developed in-house training programs for internal staff, legislative staff, elected officials and stakeholders, i.e., Medicaid 101
- Developed Office of Legislative Affairs policies and procedures
- Conducted studies, and reports to assist policy writers in the Review and Adjustment Unit
- Developed and conducts single-purpose research projects for management consideration of review and adjustment program expansion and accountability
- Successfully negotiated legislation, and special projects, clearly presented complex financial reports to senior management, facilitated productive team meetings with diverse stakeholders
- Showcased exceptional customer support, built strong relationships with clients, actively listened to customer and colleagues feedback to improve service quality
- Overseeing compliance with relevant regulations and policies within projects
- Successfully resolved customer complaints through effective communication and proactive solutions, identified and addressed issues impacting team productivity
- Managed 3 people and project manager with coordinated members in many divisions
Director of Legislative Affairs
Illinois State Board of Elections
Springfield, IL
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Built positive relationships with the General Assembly, advocacy and civic organizations, and the public to promote fair and safe elections.
- Establish policies and procedures, and maintain an agency calendar.
- Oversee compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Created national surveys to provide information on other states.
- Attending training, seminars, and professional development.
- Crisis management – 2020 election, and COVID.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
Deputy Director, Legislative Affairs
Illinois Secretary of State
Springfield, IL
02.2012 - 08.2018
- Direct legislative agenda and concerns to enhance public safety for multifaceted organizations affecting business, securities, vehicles, state archives, state library system, Capitol complex, and drivers’ services
- Represented office at community events and celebrations
- Managed team of 5
Freelance Consultant
07.2005 - 12.2011
- Devised and implemented winning campaigns through individualized, strategic planning, communication, government relations and community outreach
- Created marketing strategies to promote volunteerism within the medical and dental communities
- Utilized network contacts in local chambers, community groups, and elected officials to enhance brand recognition for non-for-profit groups, candidates, and associations
- Researched and composed written materials, direct mail, presentations, and reports
- Oversaw business administration with various personnel, contracts, budgets, events, projects, and assignments producing results
Director, Government Affairs
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, IL
05.2004 - 07.2005
- Managed state and local government affairs program for a bi-cameral, non-for-profit living museum
- Achieved $25 million in funding for a research lab to house one of two seed vaults in the United States; More funding from addition Green Youth Farm for the Lawndale area; Maintained funding for the Museums in the Park
- Created and organized first Legislator Day at the Garden for state and local elected officials to showcase the mission of the Garden
- Initiated new and enhanced relationships and good will
Public Affairs Manager
Safeway, Inc./Dominick’s Finer Foods
Oak Brook, IL
07.2001 - 02.2004
- Created and executed cause-marketing campaigns; organized the production of collateral materials, presentations, and coordination of efforts that collectively generated more than $894,000 in proceeds
- Represented Dominick’s as media spokesperson on issues impacting business and customers; effectively managed communications regarding suspected E-Coli contaminated ground beef and other high-profile issues
- Managed customers service call center with 6 employees
Marketing Communications Manager
Cognitive Concepts
Evanston, IL
04.2000 - 06.2001
- Directed public relations, advertising, direct mail, trade shows, events, design, and customer relationship marketing for an educational software company that developed reading solutions for K-3rd grade classrooms in 50 states
- Managed 5 employees
Marketing Communications Manager/Legislative Manager
Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago, IL
08.1995 - 04.2000
- Developed and implemented public affairs efforts in the “turnaround” of the third largest housing authority in the nation with 2,500 employees, 40,000 public housing units, and 120,000 residents
- Changed the face of public housing through public opinion
- Organized teams for productivity
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
the University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, ILSkills
Policy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Planning
Crisis Management
Team Leadership
Communications
Program management
Legislation
Research
Federal and state regulations
Customer Services
Personal Information
Title: Executive: Public Policy
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Director of Legislative Affairs
Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission
02.2024 - 12.2024
Bureau Chief for Legislative Affairs
Illinois Department Health Care and Family Services
01.2022 - 01.2024
Director of Legislative Affairs
Illinois State Board of Elections
01.2018 - 01.2022
Deputy Director, Legislative Affairs
Illinois Secretary of State
02.2012 - 08.2018
Freelance Consultant
07.2005 - 12.2011
Director, Government Affairs
Chicago Botanic Garden
05.2004 - 07.2005
Public Affairs Manager
Safeway, Inc./Dominick’s Finer Foods
07.2001 - 02.2004
Marketing Communications Manager
Cognitive Concepts
04.2000 - 06.2001
Marketing Communications Manager/Legislative Manager
Chicago Housing Authority
08.1995 - 04.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
the University of Illinois at Springfield
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