Kenneth J. Depew
Washington
Summary
Visionary and ambitious senior leader with extensive experience in government relations, public affairs, policy management, and team leadership, honed through service in the U.S. Army, Capitol Hill, and in executive task force committee operations. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, build trust-based relationships, and affect change to advance organizational and member priorities. Proven track record in policy writing and legislative research, successfully advancing key initiatives, including legislation signed into law. Adept at managing diverse teams and fostering collaboration to achieve ambitious goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Staff
Office of Representative Dan Crenshaw
07.2024 - Current
- Effectively lead 21 professionals within a U.S. House of Representative congressional offices in Washington, DC and Houston, TX. Managing an annual budget of almost $1.9 million while being the key strategic executive coordinator of official and campaign operations, demonstrating strong management and leadership capabilities.
- Oversee the formulation of legislative and messaging efforts to advance Member mission and priorities, resulting in selection as Vice Chairman of the Environment subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman of the Defense Intelligence subcommittee, showcasing successful strategic planning and advocacy.
- Manage operations, and oversee government affairs with federal, state, and local officials to influence public policy, legislation, and regulations. These efforts include managing policy communication, PAC management, grassroots, and issues management.
- Manage lobbying efforts and assessing which lobbyists and issues receive attention to align with the organization's priorities. Ensuring lobbying activities adhere to regulations and tracks legislative developments to identify potential risks or opportunities.
- Cultivate media relations, community relations, internal communications, crisis communications, public affairs, social media communications, and marketing PR in the interest of organizational time, assets and long term goals.
- Implemented effective recruitment plans to build a strong and diverse legislative and public affairs team, supporting establishment goals.
Director
Task Force to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels
05.2023 - 12.2024
- Successfully planned, prepared, and managed the execution of all aspects of the 24 Member Congressional Task Force to achieve goals established by the chairman, demonstrating effective management and problem-solving skills.
- Effectively orchestrated 22 executive briefings, enhancing thought leadership and bipartisan collaboration aimed at addressing complex, time-sensitive legislation.
- Planned and prepared multifaceted off-site visits, to include a four-day congressional delegation to Mexico City and various locations across the US, building trust-based relationships and facilitating advocacy.
- Responsible for overseeing the production of the task force report, briefings and at least eight pieces of legislation, including legislation signed into law and two passed the House in the FY2024 NDAA, demonstrating a significant impact on public policy.
Legislative Director
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Representative Dan Crenshaw
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Successfully managed three members of the legislative staff to achieve efficient and effective legislative operations for the office, highlighting teamwork and supervision skills.
- Oversaw the production and preparation of committee hearing preparation for the Member, tracked and monitored floor activity to make vote recommendations and briefed the Member on pending votes, utilizing analytical skills and precision.
- Proactively sought opportunities to offer amendments in Rules Committee and on the floor, driving change through effective advocacy.
Senior Legislative Assistant for National Security and Foreign Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Representative Dan Crenshaw
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Strategically managed Member’s national security portfolio by providing policy recommendations with messaging and communications considerations, demonstrating thought leadership and public affairs expertise.
- Successfully prepared the representative for committee events, including subcommittee hearings where the Representative was the Ranking Member, with policy background, remarks, and proposed lines of questioning, showcasing strong writing skills and analytical capabilities.
- Led the office’s introduction of 28 bills and resolutions and more than 20 amendments, affecting change through dedicated advocacy.
- Effectively planned, coordinated, and executed four Member trips to the U.S.-Mexico border and a series of classified briefings with DOD officials to discuss the threats posed by China and U.S. force capabilities, building trust-based relationships and enhancing public policy understanding.
Non-Commissioned Officer
U.S. Army and Texas National Guard
09.2001 - 09.2015
- Successfully led a Human Intelligence Collection Team and briefed and advised commanders based on collected intelligence, demonstrating leadership capabilities and precision.
- Consistently rated as “superior” in the fields of written communication, oral communication, and research ability on Service School Academic Evaluation Report, highlighting strong writing skills and analytical abilities.
- Retired due to combat related injuries.
Education
Master of Arts - International Security and Diplomacy Studies
Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv, Israel08-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Philosophy
University of St. Thomas
Houston, Texas12-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Operations
Cochise College
Sierra Vista, Arizona12-2013
Skills
- Team management and leadership
- Public affairs
- Government relations
- Strategic planning
- Political acumen
- Policy analysis and writing
- Legislative research
- Project and budget management
- Stakeholder engagement
Timeline
Chief of Staff
Office of Representative Dan Crenshaw
07.2024 - Current
Legislative Director
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Representative Dan Crenshaw
01.2024 - 06.2024
Director
Task Force to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels
05.2023 - 12.2024
Senior Legislative Assistant for National Security and Foreign Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Representative Dan Crenshaw
01.2019 - 01.2024
Non-Commissioned Officer
U.S. Army and Texas National Guard
09.2001 - 09.2015
Master of Arts - International Security and Diplomacy Studies
Tel Aviv University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Philosophy
University of St. Thomas
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Operations
Cochise College