Loni Cortez Russell
Washington,DC
Summary
Accomplished Government Affairs professional with over a decade of experience in public policy leadership, federal regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in developing and executing strategic advocacy initiatives to influence public policy outcomes in public health, environment, and education. Proven success in leading cross-sector partnerships, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and advising senior government officials.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Administrator, Office of Public Engagement & Environmental Education
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC
06.2021 - 01.2025
- Directed national policy engagement strategies aligned with public health and environmental goals on behalf of the Agency.
- Managed a budget of over $10 million and led a team of more than 20 people, overseeing more than 500 high-impact stakeholder convenings.
- Designed and administered multiple federal grant programs totaling over $4M.
- Established and led first-of-their-kind national youth and university advisory councils to inform agency policy.
- Promoted from Deputy to Associate Administrator for exemplary leadership and strategic direction.
Director of Partner Engagement
Climate Action Campaign
Washington, DC
06.2018 - 06.2021
- Developed and executed engagement strategies to advance policy through 1,000+ coalition actions.
- Oversaw $1.1M+ budget and led a 4-member team coordinating multistate coalition advocacy.
- Secured 100,000+ public comments on federal regulations and generated significant media coverage.
- Built and sustained national partnerships across health, business, and civil rights sectors.
Deputy National Field Manager, Moms Clean Air Force
Environmental Defense Fund
San Francisco, CA
01.2014 - 04.2017
- Managed full life cycle recruitment of a performance-driven team of 7.
- Coordinated major federal advocacy events, including 130+ Congressional meetings for annual summit.
- Successfully launched the California state chapter; grew membership from 40K to 100K and secured necessary resources to develop 7+ state organizational chapters.
- Recruited over 500+ validators and surrogates over 4-year tenure.
- Represented the organization at the EPA, CARB, and UN Climate Summits, elevating public health in environmental policy.
Advisor
The Story We Want – A Five Part Series
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Supported film production highlighting community impact of environmental degradation; recognized by multiple film festivals including Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival 2018.
Program Coordinator / Associate / Assistant – US Climate & Energy
Environmental Defense Fund
San Francisco, CA
06.2011 - 01.2014
- Directed daily program operations, managed $1M+ budget, and supported fundraising generating $1M+.
Education
Master of Science - Political Science
Lund University
Sweden06-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies
UC Santa Barbara
CA06-2007
Skills
- Government & Regulatory Affairs
- Legislative & Policy Advocacy
- Coalition Building & Stakeholder Engagement
- Federal/State Policy Strategy
- Public Health & Environmental Policy
- Strategic Communications
- Grant Management & Budget Oversight
- Cross-Functional Leadership
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
German
Professional
Filipino
Limited
Timeline
Associate Administrator, Office of Public Engagement & Environmental Education
Environmental Protection Agency
06.2021 - 01.2025
Director of Partner Engagement
Climate Action Campaign
06.2018 - 06.2021
Advisor
The Story We Want – A Five Part Series
01.2015 - 01.2016
Deputy National Field Manager, Moms Clean Air Force
Environmental Defense Fund
01.2014 - 04.2017
Program Coordinator / Associate / Assistant – US Climate & Energy
Environmental Defense Fund
06.2011 - 01.2014
Master of Science - Political Science
Lund University
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies
UC Santa Barbara
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