Brionne S. Dawson
Washington
Summary
Dynamic full-stack generalist with a proven track record in government affairs and international policy advocacy, adept at driving strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration within high-performing teams. Expertise encompasses diverse technologies and methodologies, ensuring the delivery of innovative solutions aligned with commercial goals. Strong communication skills supporting high performing teams to navigate complex regulatory environments and enhance project outcomes, advise C-suite leaders and drive results. Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, consistently seeking opportunities to elevate team performance and deepen impact in fast-paced, highly matrixed environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Emerging Markets, International Government Affairs
Google Government Affairs and Public Policy
12.2021 - 07.2025
- Cultivated strategic alliances with over 50 embassies, multilateral institutions, think tanks, and trade associations, building consensus on pro-innovation policies and advancing digital transformation, cloud platform consumption, and AI adoption across 120+ emerging market countries spanning Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
- Led cross-regional policy engagement to expand AI adoption and cloud platform consumption, influencing senior U.S. executive branch officials (White House, State, and Commerce Departments), foreign diplomatic corps, and international policymakers to secure restraint-driven regulatory wins and expand market access.
- Designed and executed a senior executive engagement strategy for Google's participation in President Trump's historic Middle East visit (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE), resulting in Google mentions in White House fact sheets and positioning the company as a partner in regional economic transformation and cloud-enabled innovation.
- Orchestrated Google executive participation at the Summit of the Americas (2022), U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit (2022), and Asia Pacific Economic Conference (2024). Developed engagement strategies with Heads of State, Ministers, and dignitaries, culminating in a landmark Partnership Agreement and subsea cable investment during the U.S.-Kenya State visit.
- Produced actionable geopolitical and economic intelligence for the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, enabling executives to advance targeted policy advocacy, strengthen risk management, and craft persuasive messaging. Hosted foreign leaders during IMF/World Bank meetings to reinforce multilateral cooperation on shared priorities, including secure cloud adoption and AI innovation for development.
- Expanded global policy influence by curating inbound foreign delegation visits to promote regulatory alignment, inclusive investment facilitation, and responsible cloud platform consumption. Managed third-party consultants and advocacy vendors across multiple markets to support compliance, accountability, and sustainable digital growth.
Senior Advisor, Bureau for Economic and Business Affairs
US Department of State
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Led high-level engagements with U.S. and foreign government officials, global executives, and civil society leaders to advance U.S. foreign policy and commercial diplomacy in emerging and frontier markets.
- Represented the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB) in interagency policy fora, shaping executive branch strategies on trade, investment, and global competitiveness through diplomatic channels and legislative advocacy.
- Advised the Senior Bureau Official on global economic trends and market-entry strategies, contributing to the development and promotion of the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act (CABDA) and other initiatives to support U.S. firms operating abroad.
- Advanced U.S. economic policy at multilateral platforms, including the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, facilitating cross-country consensus on trade, investment, and digital economy priorities.
- Supported the drafting of the U.S. government's Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative in coordination with the National Security Council, reinforcing U.S.-Africa partnerships on digital infrastructure and inclusive growth.
Senior Director, U.S. - Africa Business Center
United States Chamber of Commerce
01.2019 - 02.2021
- Directed strategic advocacy initiatives and professional services on behalf of Fortune 500 corporate members (including Google, Microsoft, IBM, Walmart, John Deere) and U.S. small businesses, advancing commercial policy goals through targeted engagement with the National Security Council, U.S. federal agencies (Commerce, State).
- Crafted high-impact trade, political, and regulatory analysis for senior business executives, responding to strategic inquiries and shaping private-sector positioning on global economic issues.
- Planned and executed over 100 advocacy events and meetings annually (approx. 450+ total over four years), enhancing the Chamber's visibility and influence on international business policy and economic development.
- Facilitated member input into U.S. legislative and regulatory processes, guiding engagement on executive orders, agency rulemakings, and trade policy impacting competitiveness in East and Southern African markets.
- Managed a regional portfolio budget of $2M and a cross-functional team of five, including direct reports and contractors; oversaw strategic visioning, results framework, KPI tracking, work plans, and operational processes.
Director, U.S.-Africa Business Center
United States Chamber of Commerce
07.2017 - 01.2019
Congressional Liaison Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Facilitated over 300 briefings, 12 hearings, and 20 Congressional delegations and staff delegations to showcase USAID projects and ensure members of Congress are regularly updated on national security and foreign policy programs.
- Developed and executed legislative and stakeholder outreach strategies to build support for a wide-ranging portfolio to enhance economic development, governance, and conflict stabilization programs in Africa.
- Coordinated hearing preparation to confirm nominees and witnesses for Congressional hearings. Drafted briefing papers, correspondence, and policy analysis memos to build coalitions and inform outreach.
- Built bipartisan support in Congress for Power Africa, a private sector, market-led initiative to increase energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in passage into law of the Electrify Africa Act. Earned Superior and Meritorious honors.
Executive Office Senior Program Manager
National Democratic Institute (NDI)
10.2011 - 08.2013
- Managed high-level events during NDI's International Leaders Forum program, including identifying, inviting, and preparing speakers and moderators for 12 panels; managing logistics and coordinating participation of 500 dignitaries.
- Raised $2 million in corporate sponsorships.
Acting Director/Resident Program Manager, NDI/South Africa Regional Office
National Democratic Institute
09.2007 - 10.2011
- Conceptualized, planned, and implemented $5M portfolio of US-government-funded programs to strengthen democratic institutions in the 14-country Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
- Managed complex multi-year program portfolio to improve financial accountability on extractive industries accounting (oil, mining, and gas); strengthen political leadership in response to HIV/AIDS; and enhance women's political participation. Oversaw field office operation: recruiting, hiring, training seven-person field staff; implemented grant funding proposals.
Program Officer, Southern and East Africa
National Democratic Institute
01.2003 - 08.2007
- Provided administrative, technical, and financial support to in-country field staff.
- Monitored, analyzed, and evaluated political and economic development issues for program forecasting.
- Published Transparency and Accountability in Africa's Extractive Industries, a nine-country study assessing the role of African legislatures' efforts to improve governance in the management of oil, mining, and gas revenues.
- Documented and evaluated program outcomes for performance management and results reporting. Developed budgets and coordinated study tours and Capitol Hill outreach for visiting foreign dignitaries.
Research Associate and Coordinator for Global Illicit Finance Project
Center for International Policy (CIP)
08.2002 - 01.2003
- Coordinated a four-person team to develop case studies culminating in the publication of a book entitled Capitalism's Achilles Heel; supported financial integrity initiatives and research on Global Corrupt Practices Act.
Education
Master Of International Business - International Business
Tufts University
Medford, MA05.2015
Bachelor Of Science - International Relations
Georgetown University
Washington, DC05.2002
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Flexible and adaptable
- Organizational skills
- Calm under pressure
- Stakeholder relations
- External relationship management and government affairs
- Public relations proficiency
- Corporate relationships
- Professional relationship development
- Stakeholder engagement strategies and partnerships
- Public relations and outreach
- Client relationship development
Affiliations
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service Advisory Board
Timeline
Head of Emerging Markets, International Government Affairs
Google Government Affairs and Public Policy
12.2021 - 07.2025
Senior Advisor, Bureau for Economic and Business Affairs
US Department of State
02.2021 - 11.2021
Senior Director, U.S. - Africa Business Center
United States Chamber of Commerce
01.2019 - 02.2021
Director, U.S.-Africa Business Center
United States Chamber of Commerce
07.2017 - 01.2019
Congressional Liaison Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
04.2015 - 01.2017
Executive Office Senior Program Manager
National Democratic Institute (NDI)
10.2011 - 08.2013
Acting Director/Resident Program Manager, NDI/South Africa Regional Office
National Democratic Institute
09.2007 - 10.2011
Program Officer, Southern and East Africa
National Democratic Institute
01.2003 - 08.2007
Research Associate and Coordinator for Global Illicit Finance Project
Center for International Policy (CIP)
08.2002 - 01.2003
Master Of International Business - International Business
Tufts University
Bachelor Of Science - International Relations
Georgetown University
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