Mālie Thoemmes Adams
Summary
Strategic government affairs and public policy professional with over 6 years of experience in state legislative operations, regulatory advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and community-centered policy initiatives. Proven record of aligning government relations strategies with mission-driven outcomes, particularly in broadband access, equity in public services, and cross-agency collaboration. Adept at coalition-building, intergovernmental negotiation, and leading high-level communications in politically sensitive environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Manager
State of Hawaiʻi House of Representative
02.2023 - Current
- Lead policy development and strategic planning for the Office of Chair Luke A Evslin
- Focusing on housing, budgeting, child-welfare, environmental, broadband, and public safety policies
- Supervise and coordinate a team of legislative staffers to support policymaking, committee work, and constituent services
- Serve as the primary liaison between state, federal, and local agencies, ensuring effective policy implementation
- Oversee budgeting, financial compliance, and office operations, including social media strategy and public communications
Legislative Analyst
State of Hawaiʻi House of Representatives
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Conducted in-depth policy analysis for legislative members with an emphasis on infrastructure, social programs, and tribal affairs.
- Provided committee support through bill analysis, talking points, and constituent response memos.
- Worked closely with rural and tribal communities to gather input on policy proposals and translated those into accessible legislative language.
- Supported crisis response efforts through rapid drafting of bills and amendments during session.
- Conducted in-depth policy research and analyzed over 1,000 pieces of legislation across multiple sectors, including criminal justice, education, and environmental policy
- Provided policy recommendations and legislative briefings to representatives on key issues
- Assisted in drafting legislative testimony and policy briefs to support committee hearings and stakeholder engagement
Youth Specialist
New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Departmen
05.2022 - 11.2022
- Supervised adjudicated youth in a secure juvenile facility using trauma-informed care and rehabilitative programming.
- Implemented behavioral intervention strategies in alignment with the New Mexico Children’s Code, supporting youth rights and institutional compliance.
- Collaborated with therapists, case workers, and legal advocates to create individualized treatment plans.
- Monitored facility safety, de-escalated crisis situations, and facilitated positive behavior reinforcement.
- Participated in policy discussions and trainings on juvenile justice reform, compliance standards, and youth rehabilitation practices.
Police Officer
Alamogordo Police Department
09.2021 - 02.2022
- Enforced local, state, and federal laws to ensure public safety and uphold community trust.
- Responded to emergency calls, conducted investigations, and collaborated with CYFD and other agencies in child welfare-related cases.
- Maintained detailed reports and testified in court proceedings, often involving high-stakes and emotionally sensitive situations.
- Demonstrated de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches in community interventions.
- Gained expertise in environmental law enforcement, working with state agencies on conservation and land protection efforts
- Led community engagement initiatives and responded to public safety concerns through proactive policing strategies
CPS Investigator
New Mexico Children Youth & Families Department
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Conducted investigations into reports of child abuse and neglect, adhering to state and federal standards, including ICWA and ORICWA.
- Coordinated closely with tribal liaisons, family courts, and legal representatives to support child welfare and ensure due process.
- Worked directly with tribal leaders and Native American families to uphold the rights of Indigenous children and families under state and federal law.
- Contributed to internal policy development surrounding Native American case protocol and ensured compliance with New Mexico's tribal coordination requirements.
- Managed complex, high-stakes caseloads while maintaining compliance documentation and preparing court testimony.
- Provided crisis support and intervention services to families while acting as liaison between CYFD and multiple agencies.
Youth Services Lead
FYI New Mexico
12.2019 - 11.2020
- Worked directly with at-risk youth in underserved communities to promote rehabilitation, educational support, and advocacy within the juvenile justice system.
- Served as a liaison between youth, families, and justice partners, advocating for equitable treatment and access to services.
- Participated in juvenile justice reform initiatives and assisted with the development of community-informed policies addressing systemic disparities.
- Facilitated programming focused on youth empowerment, behavioral support, and mentorship in alignment with state juvenile policy goals.
Education
Masters - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University
05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University
05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
New Mexico State University
05-2020
Skills
- Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy
- Legislative Research & Policy Analysis
- Multi-Sector Policy Development
- Constituent & Stakeholder Relations
- Regulatory Compliance & Public Safety Policy
- Budget Oversight & Office Management
- Social Media & Public Communications
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Environment Resilience and Conservation Policy Analysis
Timeline
Office Manager
State of Hawaiʻi House of Representative
02.2023 - Current
Legislative Analyst
State of Hawaiʻi House of Representatives
11.2022 - 02.2023
Youth Specialist
New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Departmen
05.2022 - 11.2022
Police Officer
Alamogordo Police Department
09.2021 - 02.2022
CPS Investigator
New Mexico Children Youth & Families Department
11.2020 - 09.2021
Youth Services Lead
FYI New Mexico
12.2019 - 11.2020
Masters - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
New Mexico State University
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