ANGELA Holm BARSON
Derry
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in corporate and government sectors, excelling in government relations and policy advocacy. Proven track record in legislative analysis and strategic planning, driving impactful initiatives that enhance brand reputation and regulatory compliance. Adept at stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution, fostering partnerships that advance business objectives and community goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs
Comcast Corporation
New England Region
08.2017 - 12.2025
- Championed company policy and strategic business priorities with key government officials, business leaders, coalitions, consultants, and community stakeholders in the region’s largest and most impactful markets.
- Served as policy advocate, subject matter expert, and primary liaison, shaping public discourse and influencing policy outcomes to advance business narrative and elevate the brand while defending business interests against legislative, political, and regulatory threats.
- Developed and implemented government affairs strategies aligned with business growth, brand awareness, infrastructure deployment, procurement frameworks, and regulatory compliance—supporting product expansion, customer adoption, and long-term market stability.
- Tracked, analyzed, and forecasted state and local legislation, regulations, and budget activity, assessing impacts on business operations, capital investment, customer pricing, and regulatory obligations; delivered regular executive-level briefings and advocacy action plans.
- Applied legal judgment to regulatory compliance, franchise obligations, risk mitigation, and responses to government inquiries in close coordination with internal and external counsel.
- Collaborated with local governments and their consultants to ensure published reports accurately reflected business policies, growth, and goals.
- Directed and coordinated with external consultants and contract lobbyists, ensuring consistent advocacy messaging, disciplined execution, and alignment with corporate policy objectives across jurisdictions.
- Played a key role in executing high-impact business initiatives and new business development, driving engagement and advancing market growth with critical audiences and emerging markets.
- Supported senior leadership in aligning operations with franchise and regulatory compliance, local mandates, brand strategy, customer experience, and other business objectives.
- Served as primary company representative to elected offices, administrations and legislators, legislative staff, municipal leaders, state agencies, business associations, external stakeholders, and regional coalitions.
- Represented government affairs team at the 2025 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Convention in Philadelphia, engaging in networking with chamber leaders from across the country to advance regional policy priorities and foster collaborative partnerships.
- Advocated company positions and advanced organizational values as subject matter expert in public hearings, panels, meetings, and regulatory proceedings—helping shape outcomes related to infrastructure, technology access, consumer protection, and public investment.
- Facilitated implementation of public-private partnerships with local government under federal and state broadband access initiatives.
- Proactively identified and mitigated compliance risks or allegations of non-compliance in a manner that protected the business’s regulatory standing and brand reputation, with integral focus on filing requirements, annual reports, price and programming changes, Public, Educational, and Government Access obligations, and all customer impacting changes.
- Partner with Legal, Public Relations, and field operations to provide clear, practical guidance on government inquiries, compliance issues, and reputational risk.
- Fostered team cohesion and a culture of respect through active leadership, cross-functional mentorship, and meaningful engagement in regional and executive forums.
- Extensive community affairs leadership representing organization in impacted communities through public engagement and service.
- Successfully negotiated high profile franchise renewals in key business markets.
Contractor
Boston Planning and Development Agency/EDIC
Boston
02.2017 - 08.2020
- Provided legal support to the Real Estate Division to resolve title issues and facilitate the conveyance of property owned by the City of Boston, BPDA, and EDIC.
- Supported land disposition efforts by identifying and preparing properties no longer aligned with BPDA’s development objectives for transfer or sale.
- Organized comprehensive records of land disposition agreements across BPDA and EDIC holdings to ensure accessibility and compliance.
Real Estate Broker and Legal Advisor
Presidential Properties
Boston
07.2010 - 01.2020
- Served as independent broker in both rentals and sales for a Beacon Hill real estate firm, advising the principal broker on legal matters including contract disputes, landlord-tenant issues, tenant rights, district court claims, and compliance with local and state codes.
Secretary of the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals Subcommittee
City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department
Boston
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Oversaw Zoning Board of Appeals Subcommittee, reviewing proposed residential and small business projects in the City of Boston, ensuring alignment with zoning regulations and community development goals.
- Drafted zoning decisions for subcommittee and full Board cases, synthesizing submitted plans, hearing evidence, and appellant testimony to produce legally sound and contextually informed rulings.
Director of Human Resources
City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department
Boston
05.2014 - 06.2016
- Led HR operations for Boston’s Inspectional Services Department, supporting 250+ employees across 7 disciplines and 5 collective bargaining units.
- Advised senior leadership on policy development and implementation aligned with municipal, state, and federal regulations, conflict resolution, and Collective Bargaining Agreement adherence.
- Managed workforce programs including career development, training, and compliance with FMLA and ADA regulations.
- Designed and implemented a records system to track staffing, promotions, disciplinary actions, leave management, and labor relations matters.
- Directed department-wide personnel restructuring, employee relations, and conflict resolution.
- Represented department in first-level labor relations matters, including grievances, progressive discipline, and dispute resolution.
- Collaborated with the Office of Labor Relations on arbitration, settlement agreements, and other matters before the Massachusetts Department of Labor.
- Coordinated key annual initiatives including performance reviews and financial interest reconciliations; and served as primary liaison to the City of Boston’s HR and Labor Relations offices to ensure alignment with municipal policies and labor standards.
- Developed internal staff newsletter and launched team-building initiatives to enhance employee engagement, promote key updates, and foster a collaborative workplace culture.
Liaison, Mayor Thomas M. Menino (2011-2013); Mayor Martin J. Walsh (2014)
City of Boston, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
Boston
09.2011 - 05.2014
- Advised Mayor Menino on policy issues impacting Allston-Brighton and served as primary liaison between the Mayor’s Office and local constituents.
- Engaged elected officials and community leaders to advance mayoral priorities through high-level advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and public engagement.
- Coordinated cross-agency efforts with Boston Police, Fire, Public Works, Transportation, and Neighborhood Development to ensure timely delivery of municipal services.
- Developed policy recommendations for economic and real estate development, including institutional expansion and regulatory matters before the Boston Zoning Board, Boston Redevelopment Authority, and Boston Licensing Board.
- Led emergency response coordination for residents affected by disasters, mobilizing city services through interdepartmental collaboration.
- Led public outreach campaigns and leveraged digital platforms to promote city initiatives, drive economic development, and strengthen civic engagement.
Bankruptcy Associate
The Law Offices of Richard N. Gottlieb
Boston
09.2010 - 09.2011
- Independently managed a high-volume caseload, specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings from client intake through discharge, with working knowledge of Chapter 11 business reorganizations.
- Drafted bankruptcy petitions, motions, and court filings, applying detailed analysis of debtor assets and liabilities to protect client interests and develop feasible reorganization plans.
- Represented clients at Section 341 meetings, court hearings, and adversary proceedings, while coordinating communication with clients, opposing counsel, and U.S. Trustees.
Legal Intern
Transit Realty Associates, LLC
Boston
05.2008 - 05.2009
Law Clerk
Gold, Albanese & Barletti
Boston
06.2007 - 05.2008
Education
Juris Doctor -
Suffolk University Law School
Boston, MA05.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Spanish
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA05.2004
High school or equivalent -
Boston Latin School
Boston, MA06.1999
Skills
- Government and external relations
- Legislative analysis
- Networking and business strategies
- Conflict resolution
- Contract negotiation
- Partnerships and alliances
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Outstanding communication
- Policy advocacy
- Regulatory compliance
- Legal judgment
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement and management
Languages
Spanish
Volunteer Experience
- Big Sister Association, Boston, MA, Big Sister, 01/01/15, Present
- Municipal, State, and Federal Political Campaigns, Boston, MA, Volunteer, 01/01/04, Present
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts, 12/01/09
- United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 10/01/10
Board Memberships
- A Better City, Boston, MA, 06/01/24-12/31/25
- Boston Centers for Youth and Family Foundation, Boston, MA, 01/01/18, 12/01/24
Timeline
Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs
Comcast Corporation
08.2017 - 12.2025
Contractor
Boston Planning and Development Agency/EDIC
02.2017 - 08.2020
Secretary of the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals Subcommittee
City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department
01.2016 - 06.2016
Director of Human Resources
City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department
05.2014 - 06.2016
Liaison, Mayor Thomas M. Menino (2011-2013); Mayor Martin J. Walsh (2014)
City of Boston, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
09.2011 - 05.2014
Bankruptcy Associate
The Law Offices of Richard N. Gottlieb
09.2010 - 09.2011
Real Estate Broker and Legal Advisor
Presidential Properties
07.2010 - 01.2020
Legal Intern
Transit Realty Associates, LLC
05.2008 - 05.2009
Law Clerk
Gold, Albanese & Barletti
06.2007 - 05.2008
Juris Doctor -
Suffolk University Law School
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Spanish
University of Massachusetts
High school or equivalent -
Boston Latin School