FRANK SICKELSMITH
Richmond,VA
Summary
Political science student with hands-on experience in tracking state legislation, the restaurant industry, gathering data on tax structures across all Virginian localities, and supporting government affairs operations within the association I work for. Skilled in customer service, political/tax research, writing, and data analysis.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Government Relations Intern
International Franchise Association
06.2026 - 08.2026
- Tracked federal and state legislation affecting franchise operations and summarized policy changes for internal review.
- Researched regulatory issues, committee activity, and agency actions to support government affairs priorities.
- Drafted briefing materials, talking points, and correspondence for meetings with policymakers and stakeholders.
- Monitored congressional and administrative developments, flagging items relevant to franchise advocacy efforts.
Government Affairs Intern
Virginia Restaurant Lodging Travel Association
08.2025 - 04.2026
- Track and analyze legislation in the 2026 Virginia General Assembly affecting the restaurant, lodging, and tourism industries, maintaining a weekly legislative tracker identifying bills with regulatory, tax, and operational impacts on association members.
- Conduct policy research and analyze locality tax structures across Virginia to identify trends affecting hospitality operators and support government affairs strategy.
- Manage and organize policy datasets and legislative information to support internal advocacy efforts, including data verification, research, and preparation of government affairs updates distributed to the 1,500+ VRLTA members.
- Present legislative updates to association members during weekly government affairs calls and independently manage legislative tracking, research, and reporting in both remote and in-office environments while meeting weekly deadlines.
Team Member
East Coast Wings
02.2025 - 06.2025
- Prepared menu items following food safety, quality, and presentation standards.
- Operated POS system accurately to process orders, payments, and special requests.
- Delivered friendly guest service while taking orders and resolving basic dining concerns promptly.
- Restocked supplies and ingredients to maintain efficient front-of-house and kitchen operations.
Team Member
Doug’s Deli
08.2024 - 10.2024
- Maintained clean dining areas, workstations, and equipment throughout busy shifts.
- Communicated order changes clearly with kitchen staff to support timely service.
Team Member
Domino’s Pizza
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Followed sanitation procedures and restaurant policies to support safe daily operations.
Education
In-progress - political science
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Richmond, VA05-2027
No Degree - Culinary And Hospitality Business
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NYSkills
- Legislative research
- Policy analysis
- Writing and editing
- Stakeholder Communication
- Microsoft Office/ Excel
- Data Analysis
- Constituent Services
- Time Management
- Political strategy
- Customer service
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
Timeline
Government Relations Intern
International Franchise Association
06.2026 - 08.2026
Government Affairs Intern
Virginia Restaurant Lodging Travel Association
08.2025 - 04.2026
Team Member
East Coast Wings
02.2025 - 06.2025
Team Member
Doug’s Deli
08.2024 - 10.2024
Team Member
Domino’s Pizza
11.2022 - 02.2023
In-progress - political science
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
No Degree - Culinary And Hospitality Business
Culinary Institute of America