Kelly Wolfe

Developed and executed the organization’s national public policy and advocacy agenda on the state and federal levels. Established Presence as a thought leader on teletherapy, licensure and mental health policies.

• Supervised RFP team and process and created efficiencies contributing to overall win rate of 40%
• Managed team of lobbying and business consultants in multiple targeted states for growth
• Successfully lobbied state legislatures and regulatory agencies on teletherapy policies resulting in new state laws
• Engaged with federal agency staff and state elected officials advocating for more flexible licensure, Medicaid and telehealth policies
• Authored and published organization’s public policy briefs and blog content advocating for legislative solutions to children’s health and development

• Developed organization’s community affairs and legislative advocacy portfolio for city, state and federal policies that drive broader child health platform
• Partnered with Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Communications leader to develop public affairs campaign that increased grassroots advocacy by 25%, increased media exposure and resulted in first co-sponsored gubernatorial forum focused on child health and development in 2018
• Managed internal team as well as external consultants and oversaw $1 million budget
• Provided recommendations, counsel, and strategic assessment to CEO on public policy and strategic initiatives that shaped organization’s positioning
• Developed and maintained relationships with key policymakers, elected officials, regulatory and government agency staff and key stakeholders
• Supervised development of federally required Community Health Needs Assessment and process

• Managed state and federal government relations program and developed proactive agenda to advance organization’s vision and mission and resulted in passage of successful legislation
• Provided recommendations and counsel on policy initiatives related to its core community engagement strategies regarding early childhood development and social determinants of health
• Represented organization in health care associations, community coalitions and national advocacy organizations
• Developed organizations first awards program that formally recognizes and acknowledges key legislators for their commitment to children’s welfare
• Created and spearheaded internal cross representational advocacy group focused on advancing child health issues which reinforced collaboration and engagement

• Assisted Director of Child Health Policy and Advocacy with development and implementation of child health advocacy agenda on behalf of Children’s Minnesota
• Cultivated relationships with policymakers, monitored legislation and proposed policy solutions consistent with Children’s objectives
• Worked with Director to build internal advocacy capacity and strategic external relationships in community and with other stakeholders.
• Collaborated with external consultants and stakeholders to successfully influence legislation

• Represented education, health care and business clients before Minnesota state legislature, state agencies, and municipal government
• Developed policy agendas, political strategies, drafted and tracked bills, as well as educated clients on legislative process
• Established and maintained relationships with key legislators, administration staff, and coalition partners
• Saved Children's Minnesota $10 million annually through legislative initiative which protected organization from government rate cate.
• Successfully helped pass law allowing for alternative teacher licensure process
• Co-led coalitions responsible for passage of child safety laws such as primary seatbelt, booster seats and concussion legislation

Selected as one of fifty-nine leaders across the country to participate in a program designed to bring together a diverse network of leaders with a passion to make a difference in the world and learn from the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. and Lyndon B. Johnson.