Hi, I’m
Karenia R. Randle
Government Relations
Lansing,MI
Summary
Experienced lobbyist with a deep understanding of legislative processes, policy analysis along with a proven track record of building strong relationships with key stakeholders in government and industry. Skilled in developing and executing advocacy strategies that align with organizational goals and drive positive policy outcomes.
Overview
10
years of professional experience
Work History
DykemaLansing, MI
Government Policy Advisor
08.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Successfully secured $5M in funding for 'Healthy and Resilient Communities' a program led by Authority Health (Detroit) to reduce food deserts within Detroit by identifying several key zip codes to provide access to healthy food options.
- Secured $500,000 from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the YWCA Kalamazoo's maternal infant health home visiting program.
- Worked with state representatives to secure $1M in funding for HighScope's Community Center, the center will be a hub for parents to receive much needed community resources.
- Represents clients in the early childhood, maternal infant health and community health spaces, clients such as HighScope, the YWCA of Kalamazoo and Authority Health.
- Serves as a navigator between clients and state departments along with external stakeholders.
- Facilitates coalition activities between the legislature and clients by scheduling meetings, gathering support correspondence for legislation and fostering relationships with respective state departments.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)Lansing, MI
Legislative Liaison
12.2020 - 08.2022
Job overview
- Advocated on behalf of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in federal and state government while maintaining and building relationships with elected officials and staff at all levels.
- Collaborated with legislators and legislative staff with complex policy and constituent issues centered around economic/community development.
- Covered legislative hearings and meetings on behalf of the MEDC twice weekly.
- Monitored pending legislation and potential impact on the corporation.
- Led special projects and legislative outreach efforts.
- Coordination of legislatively mandated reports regarding the MEDC and compiling the reports required for the Michigan Strategic Fund/MEDC.
- Conducted in-depth research on policy issues for the MEDC.
Michigan Legislature (House and Senate)Lansing, MI
Legislative Director
06.2017 - 12.2020
Job overview
- Researched and analyzed legislation related to assigned issues (transportation, corrections, public safety, to name a few.) drafted statements, talking points, and briefings for the legislative member.
- Responsible for drafting legislative analysis, legislative memorandums, language for legislative bill requests for legislators and legislative staff.
- Tracked legislative actions at the federal, state, and local levels of government in relation to the legislator's legislative agenda.
- Maintained a working knowledge of all legislative issues pending before the Appropriations committee; monitored both committee and subcommittee activity.
Michigan Legislature (House and Senate)Lansing, MI
Legislative Assistant/Constituent Relations
06.2017 - 12.2020
Job overview
- Attended legislative hearings, committee meetings on behalf of the legislative member and drafted committee summaries.
- Monitored, conducted research, and analyzed pending legislation in relation to legislative members’ agenda three times a week.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local, county, state legislative contacts, constituent groups, stakeholders, government officials, and outside interest groups, acted as a liaison for these parties to form relationships with the legislature.
- Managed 75+ constituent cases with state agencies and provided adequate resources to alleviate or resolve constituent issues.
State of MichiganLansing, MI
Law Student Assistant – Office of Retirement Services
10.2016 - 06.2017
Job overview
- Reviewed and drafted analyses of retirement-focused legislation. In addition, analyzed the legislative impact on each of the five retirement systems the Office of Retirement Services administers.
- Interpreted and researched Internal Revenue Codes, General Accounting Standards, defined contribution programs, and health care contracts for the procurement department.
- Contributed to the Benefit Plan Design unit through the research and analysis of proposed legislation in relation to the retirement system.
- Spearheaded initiatives to effectively communicate and establish relationships with legislators through director-driven approaches, the execution of the system's legislative brochure titled 2017-2018 Michigan Office of Retirement Services 'Impact in Your District.'
- Led the administrative hearing process, managed the legislative research, and tracked priorities for the Benefit Plan Design Administration.
Education
Central Michigan University
Master of Science from Administration, Public Administration
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Applied Arts
Michigan State University
Legislative Leadership Program Certificate from Legislative Staff Training
Office of Retirement Services
Certificate of Recognition from Administrative Hearings
Skills
- Lobbying
- Negotiation skills
- Conducting research
- Legislative reporting
- Building relationships
- Statewide strategies
- Legislative tracking
- Understanding government regulations
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
$45000/yr - $100000/yrImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid time offWork from home option401k matchTimeline
Government Policy Advisor
Dykema
08.2022 - Current
Legislative Liaison
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
12.2020 - 08.2022
Legislative Director
Michigan Legislature (House and Senate)
06.2017 - 12.2020
Legislative Assistant/Constituent Relations
Michigan Legislature (House and Senate)
06.2017 - 12.2020
Law Student Assistant – Office of Retirement Services
State of Michigan
10.2016 - 06.2017
Central Michigan University
Master of Science from Administration, Public Administration
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Applied Arts
Michigan State University
Legislative Leadership Program Certificate from Legislative Staff Training
Office of Retirement Services
Certificate of Recognition from Administrative Hearings