Jessica L. Laliberte
Waterville,ME
Summary
Experienced government relations and public affairs professional with a strong track record of shaping policy to promote economic growth, public safety, and community well-being. Skilled in legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. Recognized for integrity, mission-driven leadership, and a collaborative approach. Deep expertise spans workforce development, education, taxation, business regulation, and criminal justice.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Laliberte Strategies, LLC
Waterville, ME
09.2016 - Current
- Founded consultancy supporting public safety, municipal, and nonprofit clients navigating complex policy and media environments.
- Delivered media training to law enforcement agencies to improve public trust and officer communications.
- Successfully advocated for PTSD to be covered under workers’ compensation law.
- Helped increase death benefits for fallen police and firefighters from $50,000 to $100,000 (indexed to inflation).
- Defeated policy threats to public safety, including bail reform, qualified immunity rollbacks, and rigid 911 mandates.
- Achieved statutory protections for firefighters under Maine’s assault law.
- Mobilized grassroots testimony from public safety professionals on key legislation.
Policy Relations Manager
Manufacturers Association of Maine
Portland, ME
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Built the Association’s first advocacy program to represent Maine manufacturers at the State House.
- Protected employers from new mandates, taxes, and overreaching regulation.
- Blocked restrictive environmental bills while upholding air quality protections.
- Championed expanded access to Career & Technical Education (CTE) to address workforce needs.
- Built coalitions and launched grassroots campaigns to elevate industry voices.
Fire Committee Member
City of Waterville
Waterville, ME
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Worked with fire officials to shape department policy and transport service planning.
- Advised on protocols improving firefighter protections and emergency response operations.
Planning Board Member
City of Waterville
Waterville, ME
01.2015 - 09.2018
- Supported downtown revitalization and mixed-use development projects.
- Voted on major site plans, zoning, and land use applications.
- Advanced historic mill redevelopment through local policy reform.
Business Development Manager
Kaplan University
Augusta, ME
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Led business development for workforce training and educational programs.
- Designed custom learning solutions aligned with Maine’s economic goals.
- Built partnerships with employers and industries to boost enrollment and visibility.
Government Relations Specialist
Maine State Chamber of Commerce
Augusta, ME
01.2012 - 05.2014
- Represented 5,000+ businesses before the Legislature, Governor’s Office, and agencies.
- Advocated for voluntary pre-K and increased early childhood education funding.
- Protected key tax incentive programs driving job creation (BETR, BETE).
- Helped secure funding for Bridge Year dual-enrollment program.
- Conducted policy analysis and strategy development on pro-business legislation.
Teacher
St. John Regional Catholic School, Augusta Public Schools, RSU18
, Maine
08.2002 - 01.2012
- Mentored new teachers and led curriculum alignment across districts.
- Improved literacy outcomes with targeted, data-driven instruction.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Thomas College
Waterville, MEBachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Maine
Orono, MESkills
- Public Policy & Legislative Advocacy
- Government & Regulatory Affairs
- Strategic Communications & Media Relations
- Workforce & Economic Development Strategy
- Organizational Strategy & Program Leadership
- Coalition Building & Stakeholder Engagement
- Grassroots Mobilization & Training
- Public Speaking & Testimony Preparation
- Business Development & Partnership Building
Certifications And Leadership
Kennebec Leadership Institute, 2016
Leadership And Public Service
- Planning Board Member, City of Waterville, Waterville, ME, 01/01/15, 09/01/18, Supported downtown revitalization and mixed-use development projects., Voted on major site plans, zoning, and land use applications., Advanced historic mill redevelopment through local policy reform.
- Fire Committee Member, City of Waterville, Waterville, ME, 01/01/19, 12/31/21, Worked with fire officials to shape department policy and transport service planning., Advised on protocols improving firefighter protections and emergency response operations.
Timeline
Policy Relations Manager
Manufacturers Association of Maine
02.2021 - 02.2022
Fire Committee Member
City of Waterville
01.2019 - 01.2021
Owner
Laliberte Strategies, LLC
09.2016 - Current
Business Development Manager
Kaplan University
09.2015 - 09.2016
Planning Board Member
City of Waterville
01.2015 - 09.2018
Government Relations Specialist
Maine State Chamber of Commerce
01.2012 - 05.2014
Teacher
St. John Regional Catholic School, Augusta Public Schools, RSU18
08.2002 - 01.2012
Master of Business Administration -
Thomas College
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Maine
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