Jacqueline McGowan
Manteno,IL
Summary
Dynamic Senior Government Affairs and Public Policy Executive with over 15 years of experience in steering complex regulatory strategies, legislative advocacy, and multi-level government engagement within highly regulated industries. Expertise in navigating the intricacies of federal and state policymaking processes, influencing regulatory outcomes, and managing public affairs in politically sensitive environments. Proven track record in congressional engagement, public-private negotiations, and crisis communications, complemented by a strong foundation in compliance strategy and capital markets. Skilled in aligning corporate growth objectives with public policy frameworks, economic development initiatives, and national security considerations to drive impactful results.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Candidate for U.S. Congress – Illinois, District 17
Jackie for Congress
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed and executed a district-wide federal policy platform addressing economic development, supply chain resilience, and domestic manufacturing.
- Engaged directly with federal stakeholders, advocacy groups, and policy organizations on legislative priorities.
- Managed strategic communications and policy messaging across diverse constituencies.
- Oversaw campaign operations, fundraising, and coalition engagement.
Candidate for Governor – California (Recall Election)
Jackie for Governor
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Led a statewide campaign during a 68-day high-intensity election cycle, securing 215,000 votes and placing 7th out of 46 candidates.
- Directed public affairs strategy, media engagement, and statewide political messaging.
- Managed rapid response communications in a dynamic and adversarial political environment.
- Coordinated multi-regional volunteer operations and compliance activities.
Cannabis Policy Advisor (Principal Consultant)
Self-Employed
Sacramento, CA
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Provided strategic guidance to industry leaders and government officials to enhance regulatory design and licensing frameworks in a multifaceted federal landscape.
- Crafted comprehensive regulatory language and frameworks to facilitate adherence to federal guidelines at local government levels.
- Developed and executed lobbying strategies that resulted in the acquisition of the first-ever cannabis cultivation permit in a California county, setting a precedent for statewide legalization.
- Guided city officials through legal processes to ensure successful transaction of a former prison facility for compliant cannabis manufacturing, marking a historic first in the U.S.
- Built bipartisan relationships with regulators, legislators, and agency leadership to advance compliant commercialization strategies.
- Navigated pandemic challenges to raise $1M in private capital, enabling strategic expansion within a regulated industry.
- Developed comprehensive policy frameworks to address complex issues affecting diverse stakeholders.
- Conducted in-depth research and analysis to inform strategic decision-making processes for clients.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions, fostering collaboration and aligning interests among various parties.
- Advised government agencies on best practices for policy implementation and compliance measures.
- Provided expert guidance on regulatory changes, ensuring client adaptation to evolving legal landscapes.
- Facilitated communication and relationship development between different stakeholders.
- Researched existing policies and procedures to gain firm understanding of current conditions.
- Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations and policies.
- Investigated policies currently under discussion to assess impact on cannabis industry.
- Proposed policies, developed roadmaps, and reported on costs and benefits.
- Helped conceive and oversee grassroots support or opposition for proposed changes.
- Identified, evaluated and developed solutions to remove roadblocks to change.
Institutional Equity Derivatives Broker
Wall Street
New York, NY
01.1993 - 01.2011
- Managed institutional client relationships across major financial institutions.
- Executed high-volume derivatives transactions within strict regulatory frameworks.
- Delivered market analysis and risk insights to portfolio managers and institutional investors.
- Operated in highly regulated environments requiring precision, compliance, and fiduciary responsibility.
- Strategic Advantage: Deep understanding of capital markets, investment flows, and financial drivers behind large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure expansion.
Skills
- Federal, State and Local Government Relations
- Congressional Engagement & Policy Advocacy
- Regulatory Strategy & Compliance
- Legislative Drafting & Analysis
- Public Affairs & Crisis Communications
- Energy & Emerging Industry Policy
- Stakeholder & Coalition Building
- Political Risk & Public Opinion Management
- Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Congressional Hearings & Legislative Advocacy
- Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) & Incentive Strategy
- Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Policy
- Regulatory & Compliance Strategy
- National Security & Public Affairs Risk Management
- Tax Incentives, Subsidies & Economic Development Programs
- Coalition & Industry Alliance Building
- Crisis Communications & Public Opinion Strategy
- Executive Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment
SELECT STRATEGIC ACHIEVEMENTS
- Secured precedent-setting regulatory approval in a federally restricted industry.
- Negotiated successful public-private industrial asset transfer.
- Built cross-sector coalitions to influence regulatory outcomes.
- Developed policy analysis addressing federal enforcement and compliance frameworks.
- Raised capital aligned with regulatory risk positioning during global crisis.
Timeline
Candidate for U.S. Congress – Illinois, District 17
Jackie for Congress
01.2021 - 01.2022
Candidate for Governor – California (Recall Election)
Jackie for Governor
01.2021 - 01.2021
Cannabis Policy Advisor (Principal Consultant)
Self-Employed
01.2012 - 01.2021
Institutional Equity Derivatives Broker
Wall Street
01.1993 - 01.2011