CHALLEE TORRES
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Experienced legislative affairs professional with over 16 years in federal policy development and government affairs engagement. Proven success in analyzing significant legislative acts and managing congressional and federal government relationships and preparing senior leadership to testify in front of Congress, drafting congressional testimony. Significant knowledge of the federal appropriations cycle and adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Legislative Affairs Analyst
Department of Energy
07.2019 - Current
- Developed and executed a congressional engagement plan for the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to elevate their profile and establish relationships with Members of Congress from EERE’s authorizing and appropriating committees.
- Prepared EERE’s Assistant Secretary to testify before Congress and brief Members of Congress and their staff on EERE’s priorities. Drafted talking points, testimony, and questions for the record in preparation for EERE’s Assistant Secretary’s congressional engagements.
- Tracked legislation from inception through committee hearings, mark-ups, floor actions, and conference activities to final approval, analyzing developments, ascertaining appropriate actions and reactions. Was successful in getting favorable language for EERE programs in the National Defense Authorization Act, Energy Act of 2020, and the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act.
- Effected positive legislative outcomes for EERE’s programs through the appropriations process. Was able to reduce the amount of restricted language for EERE’s programs and bring their appropriations language in line with their goals.
Associate
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
02.2014 - 07.2019
- Served as team lead for Bridgestone Americas Inc. Oversaw PAC activities and attended events (on behalf of Bridgestone) to raise the client’s profile. Researched, developed, drafted, and articulated legislative proposals to Bridgestone leadership.
- Provided regular analysis of market and media opportunities to help drive and achieve legislative objectives. Drafted talking points and media pitches for government affairs and corporate clients.
- Educated corporate leadership, as needed/requested, on an array of governmental affairs issues.
- Served as Project Manager for major client events/conferences.
Executive Assistant
United States Congress
07.2009 - 02.2014
- Drafted official letters and provided weekly update that detailed all committee activity.
- Organized meetings with Members of Congress that provided an environment and opportunity to openly discuss Congressional business.
- Organized all staff presentations, ensuring that they were clear, consistent, and coherent.
- Collaborated with the Press Secretary on organizing the media for all hearings, Member meetings, and press releases.
- Supervised training of Congressional staff and maintained extensive record-keeping – these efforts further contributed to my holistic understanding of Washington, the legislative process, and more.
- Worked with media on state events, voting, and policy proposals.
- Built and maintained an extensive media database, which continues to be used to this day.
Education
Master’s - Public Policy
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2022
BA - Political Science
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN05.2009
Skills
- Quantitative analysis
- Legislative review
- Establishing strategic relationships
- Targeted communication strategies
Interest
- Reading anything by Sarah J, Maas or Rebecca Yaros
- Yoga
- Baking with my two daughters
Other Work Experience
- U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means
- Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
- U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
- The Office of Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)
Timeline
Legislative Affairs Analyst
Department of Energy
07.2019 - Current
Associate
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
02.2014 - 07.2019
Executive Assistant
United States Congress
07.2009 - 02.2014
Master’s - Public Policy
Liberty University
BA - Political Science
University of St. Thomas