CRYSTAL KAY PERKINS
Austin
Summary
Operations and government affairs leader with over 15 years of experience in managing complex initiatives across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Expertise in optimizing senior leadership workflows and aligning organizational priorities to enhance decision-making processes. Proven ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights that drive strategic outcomes. Experienced in leading teams in high-pressure environments, ensuring accountability and operational excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications, Government Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub
05.2025 - Current
- Lead state and local government affairs strategy for a DOE-funded regional hydrogen hub spanning Texas and Gulf Coast states.
- Build and manage trusted relationships with governors' offices, state legislators, city leaders, and regulatory agencies, positioning the hub as a national leader in clean energy.
- Develop and deliver executive briefing materials, messaging, and testimony preparation for industry CEOs and public officials.
- Coordinate a multi-company coalition (Air Liquide, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Ørsted, AES, etc.) to advance aligned public policy, including Section 45V hydrogen tax credits and appropriations.
- Integrate federal and state policy developments into communications strategy, advising partners on implications for investment, workforce, and community engagement.
Senior Regional Advisor, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
U.S. Department of Energy
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Directed DOE's state and local government affairs portfolio across the South-Central U.S., serving as lead liaison to governors, mayors, and legislators in 11 states.
- Advised senior DOE leadership and the Secretary on regional policy dynamics, regulatory risks, and opportunities for clean-energy deployment.
- Oversaw intergovernmental strategy during Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) implementation.
- Managed stakeholder outreach campaigns with industry, utilities, and local governments to build support for energy transition programs.
- Briefed and staffed DOE principals for high-level engagements, hearings, and stakeholder roundtables.
South Central Regional Finance Director
Biden For President and Biden Presidential Inaugural Committee
05.2019 - 03.2021
- Managed a team of five in a fast-paced environment, overseeing major donor fundraising across TX, AZ, NM, OK, and AR. Led Finance Councils for Clean Energy for Biden / Climate Voters for Biden, Women for Biden, and the Inaugural Committee.
- Served as the primary regional contact, cultivating relationships with 325+ active campaign raisers and engaging donors through targeted communications to drive record-breaking fundraising efforts.
- Advised political and state teams on Texas strategy, including primary planning, delegate selection, and securing political endorsements; developed and implemented an outreach plan that delivered a Texas primary win.
Executive Director
Texas Democratic Party
02.2015 - 04.2019
- Directed operations of a statewide political organization with a $15.5M biennial budget, overseeing strategy, execution, and compliance in a high-stakes environment.
- Managed cross-functional teams (16+ staff in off-years; 100+ in election years) across political, communications, fundraising, data, and voter outreach departments.
- Built and led coalitions of elected officials, nonprofits, and advocacy groups to align messaging, strategy, and resource deployment.
- Spearheaded bipartisan outreach to shape and advocate for the party's legislative agenda, engaging election and voting rights stakeholders.
- Produced and managed the largest state party convention in the U.S., a three-day event with 8,000+ attendees.
- Led a statewide organizing initiative across all 254 Texas counties, with a strong focus on rural and suburban engagement, to identify local priorities, train activists, and recruit candidates-resulting in a fully contested congressional ballot for the first time in over 25 years.
- Served as a spokesperson, providing extensive on-the-record commentary.
National Finance Director
Mark Schauer for Governor of Michigan
06.2013 - 01.2014
- Led strategic planning and execution of all fundraising operations for a top-targeted gubernatorial campaign, raising over $27 million by managing a national team, overseeing vendor partnerships, and driving engagement with key donors, PACs, and a 12-member finance committee to meet ambitious goals.
Regional Candidate Services Director
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Oversaw finance operations for congressional campaigns across 18 states, supporting 16 top-tier races by recruiting, training, and advising fundraising staff and collaborating with senior campaign leadership to execute fundraising strategies.
Southern Deputy Finance Director
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
02.2011 - 12.2011
- Cultivated and managed high-level fundraising relationships across 13 states, providing strategic support and staffing for the Senators.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication, Public Relations
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas, TXSkills
- Executive communications
- Strategic prioritization
- Cross-functional coordination
- Government and policy expertise
- Systems and operational structure
- Process improvement
- Program and project leadership
- Strategic and crisis communication
Timeline
Communications, Government Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub
05.2025 - Current
Senior Regional Advisor, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
U.S. Department of Energy
01.2022 - 01.2025
South Central Regional Finance Director
Biden For President and Biden Presidential Inaugural Committee
05.2019 - 03.2021
Executive Director
Texas Democratic Party
02.2015 - 04.2019
National Finance Director
Mark Schauer for Governor of Michigan
06.2013 - 01.2014
Regional Candidate Services Director
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
01.2012 - 12.2012
Southern Deputy Finance Director
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
02.2011 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication, Public Relations
Texas State University