Austin Railey III
Cincinnati
Summary
Dynamic leader in government affairs and intergovernmental relations, skilled in managing multi-state public policy portfolios and directing contract lobbyists to effectively advance legislative and budget strategies across nine states. Expertise in aligning diverse stakeholders including state and local jurisdictions, business coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and executive offices around complex funding and regulatory challenges. Proven track record in municipal-state coordination, coalition building, and advocating for state budget initiatives that drive impactful change. Committed to fostering collaboration and navigating the intricacies of public policy to achieve strategic objectives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Government Relations Associate (Multi-State)
KinderCare Learning Companies
02.2025 - Current
- Lead government affairs strategy across a nine-state Midwest portfolio focused on child care funding, workforce policy, and regulatory compliance.
- Manage and direct contract lobbyists in each state, establishing legislative priorities and engagement strategies.
- Serve as primary liaison to governors’ offices, state legislators, and human services agencies on subsidy (CCDF) funding and reimbursement policy.
- Coordinate multi-state budget advocacy efforts to sustain and expand public funding streams.
- Engage municipal leaders and local jurisdictions to address zoning, workforce, and early childhood infrastructure challenges.
- Develop fiscal impact analyses and executive-level policy briefings for senior leadership.
- Build coalitions with trade associations, chambers of commerce, and advocacy groups to influence legislative outcomes.
Director of Government Relations & Civic Engagement
Dayton Metro Library
Dayton, OH
08.2023 - 02.2025
- Led successful county-wide ballot initiative securing multi-year levy funding through bipartisan coalition building.
- Built and maintained relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials.
- Secured state-level funding through legislative and executive engagement.
- Directed external relations strategy including legislative education, policy advocacy, and intergovernmental coordination.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align government relations strategies with organizational goals.
- Monitored legislative developments and provided timely updates to executive leadership.
- Fostered relationships with local officials to strengthen community ties and support library objectives.
- Streamlined internal processes related to policy development and analysis, enhancing efficiency across the department.
Government Affairs Manager
Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce
Cincinnati, OH
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Built cross-sector coalitions around economic recovery, transportation investment, and small business stabilization.
- Managed Cincinnati Economic Restart Taskforce coordinating city, county, and business community responses.
- Directed small business grant programming during COVID-19 recovery.
- Facilitated federal engagement with congressional offices and executive leadership.
- Organized forums and events to facilitate dialogue between business leaders and policymakers.
- Implemented creative grassroots campaigns to rally support for important causes, mobilizing stakeholder engagement in the policymaking process.
- Served as an effective spokesperson for the organization at public forums, enhancing brand visibility within the community.
Senior Legislative Aide
Dayton City Commission
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Led intergovernmental coordination during major crisis events including tornado recovery and public safety response.
- Chaired Dayton Census 2020 Government Subcommittee aligning regional municipalities.
- Developed municipal policy initiatives focused on equity, youth engagement, and minority business navigation.
Education
M.A. - Public Administration
Wright State University
B.A. - Public Administration
Notre Dame College
Skills
- Multi-State Legislative Strategy
- Lobbyist Management
- State Budget Advocacy
- Municipal-State Coordination
- Coalition Building
- Policy analysis
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Nonprofit management
Websites
Certification
Obama Foundation Equity Leader Certification
Timeline
Government Relations Associate (Multi-State)
KinderCare Learning Companies
02.2025 - Current
Director of Government Relations & Civic Engagement
Dayton Metro Library
08.2023 - 02.2025
Government Affairs Manager
Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce
01.2020 - 01.2023
Senior Legislative Aide
Dayton City Commission
01.2016 - 01.2020
B.A. - Public Administration
Notre Dame College
M.A. - Public Administration
Wright State University