Years of Government Affairs and Lobbying Experience
Open To Work
Hi, I’m
Elaina Fowler
Government Affairs, Public Policy and Lobbying
Austin,USA
Summary
Accomplished Government Affairs and Public Policy professional with over 18 years of experience driving legislative strategy, public policy, and advocacy at municipal, state, and federal levels. Proven expertise in legislative analysis, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement. Adept at managing cross-functional teams and advancing organizational objectives through effective government relations and public policy initiatives.
Overview
21
2
AI Certifications
1
Federal Lobbying License
14
Years of Political Campaign Management and Consulting
17
Years lobbying at the Local, State, and Federal level
1
Bachelors degree in International Business
15
Years leading Public Policy Teams and Legislative initiatives
Work History
Independent ConsultantAustin, TX
Independent Consultant
03.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Develops project-related documentation, including use cases, traceability matrices, and functional design specifications, effectively communicating technical requirements to stakeholders.
- Facilitating interactive sessions with business and cross-functional teams, capturing and eliciting requirements that drive project success.
- Provides expertise in assessing production support issues, determining root cause analysis, and documenting necessary system corrections to maintain operational efficiency.
- Analyzes legislation and regulatory changes affecting public policy initiatives, providing strategic direction and policy recommendations to various stakeholders.
- Manages cross-functional teams to implement policy programs, ensuring compliance and alignment with broader organizational objectives.
- Engages with state legislators and federal officials to advocate for policy priorities, securing essential funding and support for key initiatives.
- Prepares position White papers and drafted committee testimony for legislative briefings, communicating complex policy issues to diverse audiences effectively.
- Assists state and federal legislators in drafting bills, amendments, and policy proposals through comprehensive research and data analysis.
- Coordinated outreach efforts to constituents, facilitating feedback and engagement on critical legislative issues.
- Monitors legislative sessions, tracking bills and their implications on state affairs and preparing briefing materials for timely decision-making.
- Establishes and maintains relationships with governors' offices, state legislators, and other key stakeholders to effectively communicate policy positions.
- Successfully secured funding for key legislative initiatives.
- Specializes in analyzing and interpreting state legislation and regulations, particularly focusing on emerging technology policy issues such as AI, data privacy, and energy.
- Provides strategic legislative policy recommendations.
- Prepares White papers for legislative briefings and Testimony for committee hearings.
- Develops and implement comprehensive policy strategies to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes, including drafting legislative language and preparing expert testimony.
- Manages cross-functional teams and influences stakeholders.
- Effectively implements policy programs aligned with organizational goals.
- Served as a liaison for U.S. foreign relations to advance policy objectives.
- Advises internal teams on emerging state and local policies to ensure product and operational success.
- Strong communication skills with a proven track record in leading change initiatives.
- Fosters relationships with policy opinion leaders and trade associations to support shared regulatory goals.
- Thrives in collaborative environments and navigates complex challenges in public policy.
Secular StrategiesAustin, Remote
Foreign Affairs Associate
03.2022 - 08.2025
Job overview
- Provided analysis and recommendations about foreign relations issues to high-level officials and policymakers.
- Developed strategies to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives and promote client interests abroad.
- Enhanced international cooperation on security, economic, and other issues through diplomatic channels.
- Served as liaison between clients, U.S. government agencies, and foreign governments on various initiatives.
- Facilitated business and educational opportunities to strengthen ties between clients and other countries.
- Monitored political and economic developments of assigned countries and provided timely reports to clients.
- Managed budgets and resources to achieve foreign policy objectives while adhering to legal and ethical standards.
- Helped organizations revise policies based on developments in strategically important parts of the world.
- Developed research concepts, policy questions, and work plans for papers and reports.
- Identified and analyzed key trends, policies, and strategies.
- Led the assembly, manipulation, and analysis of economic data.
- Led significant analytic and report-writing efforts.
- Identified, researched, and developed policy recommendations for reports.
- Created and delivered presentations for research projects.
Texas Society of CPASAustin, TX
Pac and Advocacy Specialist
10.2024 - 06.2025
Job overview
- Supported the TXCPA Government Relations Department during the 2025 legislative session.
- Planned and prepared for 2025 Advocacy Day events.
- Administered and supported the TXCPA bill tracking program.
- Conducted Key Person outreach and communications.
- Supported, expanded, and conducted outreach for the TXCPA PAC.
City of AustinAustin, TX
Community Outreach Field Organizing Manager: City of Austin Displacement Prevention
08.2023 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Collaborated with local organizations, businesses, and agencies to establish partnerships for community events.
- Organized and managed a team of volunteers for outreach programs.
- Created marketing materials to promote community events.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration.
- Served as the primary contact for inquiries related to community programs.
- Educated the public about available resources through presentations.
- Mobilized volunteers during crisis situations or emergencies.
- Increased visibility of the organization's mission by coordinating speaking engagements.
- Spearheaded collaborations between nonprofit organizations for shared goals.
- Nurtured relationships with local and state elected officials advocating for community-impacting policies.
- Established partnerships with schools for after-school programs.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to organize health fairs.
Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA)Austin, TX
Public Education Lobbyist
01.2023 - 06.2023
Job overview
- Advocated for or against legislation and policies impacting the organization.
- Built and maintained relationships with government officials and legislators.
- Analyzed policies to assess impact and formulated recommendations.
- Communicated complex issues and positions to stakeholders.
- Ensured all lobbying activities and reporting complied with laws and regulations.
Michigan (SMART Recovery)Lansing, MI
State Education Lobbyist
06.2022 - 11.2022
Job overview
- Lobbied for the passage of the K-12 mental education bill in Michigan.
- Monitored legislative activities, including hearings and voting sessions.
- Managed communications with constituents and provided legislative updates.
- Drafted briefs and reports on legislative issues.
- Liaised with advocacy groups and stakeholders to build support for legislation.
- Prepared analyses of legislation impacts and advised on policy positions.
National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)Washington, DC
Policy Analyst
03.2021 - 09.2021
Job overview
- Authored legislative amendments to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, securing $247 million for Urban Indian Health.
- Prepared legislative summaries, fact sheets, and testimonies for congressional committees.
- Provided research and analysis on policy initiatives to support organizational objectives.
- Built and maintained relationships with community, institutions, and coalition members.
- Focused on mental and generational trauma and substance abuse in legislative priorities.
Planned Parenthood Texas VotesAustin, TX
Government Relations and Political Affairs Director
01.2019 - 03.2020
Job overview
- Directed all government relations and political affairs strategy and planning.
- Provided analysis on legislation and maintained relationships with elected officials and coalition groups.
- Advocated and facilitated coalitions for reproductive justice and women's healthcare.
- Worked with endorsed candidates to ensure effective messaging.
- Created strategic plans for community involvement and led assigned teams.
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal EmployeesAustin, TX
Executive Director - AFSCME Texas Retirees
06.2016 - 09.2018
Job overview
- Executed policy direction for a twelve-member Executive Board of Directors.
- Developed and executed budgets, policies, and procedures for daily operations.
- Saved $2.9 billion in unfunded liability from being added to ERS pension fund.
- Maintained relationships with government officials and represented organization interests.
- Served as committee association member to the Employee Retirement System of Texas.
- Developed outreach and engagement strategies to strengthen community and member engagement.
- Planned conferences and meetings for 6,000+ AFSCME Texas Retiree members.
Texas House of RepresentativesAustin, TX
Chief of Staff (Retired) State Rep. Helen Giddings D-109TX / Honorary Consul to South Africa
11.2013 - 07.2015
Job overview
- Directed and led staff on over 30 legislative priorities.
- Served as office liaison for agencies and organizations on legislative programs and policies.
- Drafted testimony and coordinated Tribal partnerships for legislative revisions.
- Worked on higher education initiatives for access to low-income and minority Texans.
- Worked closely with elected officials across Texas at the state, local and federal level of government.
- Managed staff, office budget, and daily business operations.
- Built partnerships with community, business, civic, and educational organizations.
Truth in MedicineMiami, Remote
Executive Director and Business Strategy Consultant (contract)
05.2012 - 11.2013
Job overview
- Research consultant for patients who have been adversely harmed by medical mesh.
- Lobbied for FDA and HHS for increased physician, pharmaceutical oversight for patients.
- Worked closely with Florida state and federal elected officials.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Program Manager (government affairs liaison)
03.2010 - 08.2011
Job overview
- Establishing relationships with colleges and universities, state agencies and grassroots organizations with the goal of eliminating health disparities experienced by minority communities.
- Working with academic programs to establish a new interdisciplinary research proposal to assist, train and support coalition groups to compete effectively for NIH grant funding in health research.
- Developing and sustaining relationships with external stakeholders, including but not limited to city agencies, resource providers, community based organizations, advocacy networks, and the faith based community to further communications and community engagement efforts.
City of Birmingham, AlabamaBirmingham, AL
Mayor's Office: Manager, Special Projects Manager
06.2008 - 12.2009
Job overview
- Executive Mayoral Staff Appointee. Responsibilities included project management of the Southeast Corridor High Speed Rail initiative between Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
- Project management of $360,000,000,000 in municipal and capital projects for twenty-six departments.
- Streamlined the CIP process for transparency of disparities and restructured the projects' direction based upon analyses, resulting in budget streamlining.
- Managed project budgets and officiated biweekly project status meetings with department heads and project subcontractors.
- Managed and implemented strategies for shared project results by strengthening collaborative efforts between community partners, corporate entities, surrounding municipalities, state and federal officials and congressional district offices.
- Served as Mayoral staff liaison between federal and state agencies for all municipal capital projects.
- Supervised and managed the Engagement constituents by streamlining the project process to include public input and approval to positively impact municipal legislation.
FWMGroup LLC
Political Consultant-Lobbyist
01.2005 - 05.2008
Job overview
- Served as political consultant and project manager as liaison between government entities.
- Provided grassroots advocacy efforts within communities, on federal, state and local levels strengthening and building legislative and coalition support.
- Lead the appropriations of $4M technology integration effort between the Birmingham Board of Education and the City of Birmingham.
- Managed grassroots, political and advocacy campaigns for local, state and federal political campaigns including city council seats, state-wide offices, federal races, local organizations and local governments.
Education
Wesleyan CollegeMacon, Georgia
B.A. from International Business
Skills
- GAPP
- Communication skills
- Quantitative research
- Legislative Drafting
- Team management
- Conducting community outreach projects
- Team leadership
- Managerial Decision Making
- Project leadership
- Government policy analysis
- Consulting firm experience
- Familiarity with SQL
- Writing skills
- Stakeholder engagement
- Congress Plus
- Emotional Intelligence
- Data quality management
- Technology implementation and policy
- Executive leadership
- Computer literacy
- Microsoft Office
- Collaborating with government agencies
- Google Suite
- Teamwork
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Conflict resolution
- DocuSign
- Databases
- Leadership
- Grammar Experience
- Legislative Research
- Mac OS
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Data extraction
- Project implementation
- Supervising experience
- Data interpretation
- Microsoft Access
- Regulatory affairs
- Public speaking
- Paralegal experience
- Quality assurance
- Machine learning/AI-based analysis
- MS Teams
- Managerial strategic planning
- Director experience
- Project management
- NIST standards
- SharePoint
- Lobbying
- Performance management
- Strategic goal setting
- Content writing
- Community Engagement
- DoD experience
- WCAG
- Time management
- Microsoft Word
- Collaboration with board members
- Litigation discovery assistance
- Adobe Acrobat
- Organizational skills
- Process optimization
- Emotional intelligence in HR leadership
- Investment banking
- Experience in non-profits
- Legal negotiation
- Strategic Planning
- Editing
- Legislation
- Data structures
- Proofreading
- Policy & process development
- Social listening
- Government Affairs
- Legislative Appropriations Budgeting
- Government public affairs
- Voter Voice
- Public policy
- Program development
Certification
- AI Governance and Policy Certification, 06/01/25
- Google AI Essentials Certification, Present
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Present
- Leading and Managing Whole Self, Present
- Managing Globally, Present
- The Data Science of Educational Management and Policy, Present
- Federal Lobbyist, Present
- Lobbyist Texas House of Representative, 01/01/23 - 06/01/23
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Japanese, Beginner
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Japanese
Limited
Interests
Running
Tennis
Cooking
Family outings
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Pac and Advocacy Specialist
Texas Society of CPAS
10.2024 - 06.2025
Community Outreach Field Organizing Manager: City of Austin Displacement Prevention
City of Austin
08.2023 - 06.2024
Public Education Lobbyist
Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA)
01.2023 - 06.2023
State Education Lobbyist
Michigan (SMART Recovery)
06.2022 - 11.2022
Foreign Affairs Associate
Secular Strategies
03.2022 - 08.2025
Policy Analyst
National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)
03.2021 - 09.2021
Independent Consultant
Independent Consultant
03.2020 - Current
Government Relations and Political Affairs Director
Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
01.2019 - 03.2020
Executive Director - AFSCME Texas Retirees
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
06.2016 - 09.2018
Chief of Staff (Retired) State Rep. Helen Giddings D-109TX / Honorary Consul to South Africa
Texas House of Representatives
11.2013 - 07.2015
Executive Director and Business Strategy Consultant (contract)
Truth in Medicine
05.2012 - 11.2013
Program Manager (government affairs liaison)
University of Alabama at Birmingham
03.2010 - 08.2011
Mayor's Office: Manager, Special Projects Manager
City of Birmingham, Alabama
06.2008 - 12.2009
Political Consultant-Lobbyist
FWMGroup LLC
01.2005 - 05.2008
Wesleyan College
B.A. from International Business