Heather Sidwell Morris
Tampa,FL
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in managing complex projects and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Chief architect of comprehensive political activity compliance programs for large, high-profile companies and organizations.
- Consistently executed innovative employee engagement campaigns that resulted in increased PAC participation/receipts, elevated awareness of political landscape and active civic engagement.
- Streamlined processes and leveraged internal resources to eliminate operational inefficiencies and overall costs.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
SR. DIRECTOR, Government Relations
Centene Corp./WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Tampa, FL
01.2016 - Current
- Direct the company-wide political activities compliance and government ethics program for a Fortune 25 healthcare enterprise.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to develop a political activity training curriculum for employees and implement risk mitigation processes in line with overall corporate compliance objectives.
- Spearhead the design and execution of operational transformation initiatives to streamline political compliance processes, resulting in overall reduced costs and errors.
- Oversee strategic planning initiatives to drive year-over-year growth of company’s federal and state Political Action Committees (“PACs”).
SR. DIRECTOR, Government Affairs Strategy & Compliance
Centene Corp./WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Tampa, FL
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Developed a comprehensive, best-in-class corporate political activity compliance program that achieved and maintained consistent 100% compliance at federal level and across 33-state political footprint.
- Managed all operations of the company’s PAC, including an innovative employee engagement strategy that more than doubled PAC membership and revenues over a 3-year period.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop political giving and federal/state government engagement strategies in alignment with organizational priorities.
- Directed $1 million annual political group investment budget and strategy to foster relationships, optimize visibility and promote thought leadership.
PRINCIPAL
Law Offices of Heather Sidwell Morris, P.A.
Tampa, FL
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Advised clients in areas of campaign finance compliance, corporate governance and government ethics.
- Analyzed legal precedent to inform strategy, enhancing the quality of representation of clients before federal and state regulatory bodies.
- Managed all aspects of the practice, including budget and resource allocation.
CHIEF COUNSEL
2012 Republican National Convention
Tampa, FL
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Led legal strategy for the party's national convention, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Advised senior leadership on risk management and legal implications of policy decisions.
- Spearheaded the negotiation and drafting of more than 200 contracts, including all agreements with official providers, local governments and community organizations, and ensured that all deliverables were met.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for employees on legal matters, promoting awareness of ethical practices and compliance standards.
DEPUTY COUNSEL
Republican National Committee
Washington, DC
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Advised national party committee leadership and staff on legal compliance and strategic initiatives within political operations.
- Developed litigation strategies for the committee, supervised outside counsel and drafted persuasive legal documents to drive committee priorities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely resolution of complex legal matters.
ASSOCIATE
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Washington, DC
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Established a record of achievement in all phases of trial preparation, including coordinating discovery, drafting pre-trial motions, and conducting interviews and depositions.
- Advised clients in matters pertaining to lobbying, government ethics and campaign finance compliance.
Education
J.D. -
American University Washington College of Law
Washington, DC01-2005
B.A. - Communication, Political Science (Minor)
Denison University
Granville, OH01-1996
Skills
- Strategic Business Planning and Risk Mitigation
- In-depth Knowledge of Regulatory Processes and Corporate Political Activity Laws
Core competencies include:
- Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Fiscal Responsibility in Managing External Vendors
Affiliations
- State of Florida, admitted 2012
- U.S. Supreme Court, admitted 2010
- District of Columbia, admitted 2006
- State of Maryland, admitted 2005
Timeline
SR. DIRECTOR, Government Relations
Centene Corp./WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
01.2016 - Current
SR. DIRECTOR, Government Affairs Strategy & Compliance
Centene Corp./WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2020
PRINCIPAL
Law Offices of Heather Sidwell Morris, P.A.
01.2013 - 01.2016
CHIEF COUNSEL
2012 Republican National Convention
01.2011 - 01.2012
DEPUTY COUNSEL
Republican National Committee
01.2007 - 01.2011
ASSOCIATE
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
01.2005 - 01.2007
J.D. -
American University Washington College of Law
B.A. - Communication, Political Science (Minor)
Denison University