Carina Buchen
McLean,VA
Summary
Senior public policy leader with over 17 years of experience in congressional liaison, federal policy advising, and regulatory affairs. Proven expertise in competition and consumer protection policy, agency engagement, and public advocacy. Adept at building relationships with policymakers, guiding policy strategy, and leading teams to advance public policy initiatives. Strong bipartisan approach with deep understanding of federal regulations, intergovernmental affairs, and legislative processes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Director, Congressional Liaison Service | Acting Director, Congressional Outreach Team
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, USA
06.2024 - Current
- Develop and implement federal policy engagement strategies, including regulatory and legislative initiatives impacting competition and consumer protection
- Lead engagement with Members of Congress, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to advocate for policy priorities
- Analyze and advise on emerging federal competition and consumer protection policy trends, including rulemakings, legislation, and agency actions
- Direct congressional liaison staff in executing agency engagement and advocacy strategies
- Represent the agency in high-level policy discussions, briefings, and interagency meetings
Lead Congressional Liaison
Office of Personnel Management
Washington, USA
08.2015 - 06.2024
- Advised policymakers on regulatory affairs and federal competition policy issues, including legislative developments and agency enforcement actions
- Led strategic engagements between government agencies and congressional offices to address legislative and regulatory concerns
- Developed policy briefings, white papers, and consultation responses to inform agency leadership and legislators
- Conducted briefings and presentations on policy matters for Members of Congress and key stakeholders
- Supported principal-level meetings, building consensus and advancing public policy priorities
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) - Law
Interamerican Law School
San Juan, PR05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Pre-Law
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR05.2007
Skills
- Competition and consumer protection policy expertise
- Federal agency policy advisory
- Regulatory affairs and compliance
- Governmental relationship development
- Legislative strategy and advocacy
- Interagency coordination and stakeholder engagement
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Public speaking
- Presentations
- Briefings
- Research
- Analysis
- Policy writing
Languages
- Spanish, Native/Bilingual
- French, Elementary
Certifications And Activities
RTR, Reformer Pilates Teacher Certified, 2025
Timeline
Deputy Director, Congressional Liaison Service | Acting Director, Congressional Outreach Team
Department of Veterans Affairs
06.2024 - Current
Lead Congressional Liaison
Office of Personnel Management
08.2015 - 06.2024
Juris Doctor (J.D.) - Law
Interamerican Law School
Bachelor of Arts - Pre-Law
University of Puerto Rico