Paul Raak
Washington,DC
Summary
Performance-driven public policy expert with 22 years of experience advocating before Congress and the Federal Communications Commission ensuring policies and regulations align with bottom-line benefits for the internet service provider industry. Passionate about expanding broadband deployment throughout rural America and applying excellent organization and communication skills to manage and lead teams. Results-oriented individual well-versed in interfacing and consulting with all levels of management including C-Suite executives on public policy processes to drive growth and reduce compliance and regulatory costs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Government Affairs
USTelecom - The Broadband Association
01.2020 - Current
- Cultivated strong relationships with key federal policy makers, including senior staff to promote and collaborate on policies benefiting internet service providers.
- Led broadband industry's efforts to decrease regulation and compliance expenses, resulting in cost savings for internet service providers.
- Demonstrated expertise in analyzing federal legislation, agency rules, and regulations that impact the internet service provider industry.
- Collaborated with senior management teams across multiple companies to devise innovative strategies aimed at preventing federal policies from adversely affecting the internet service provider industry.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Analyzed industry trends to identify and capitalize on opportunities for developing public policy.
Vice President, Legislative Affairs
ITTA - The Voice of America's Broadband Providers
02.2007 - 12.2019
- Oversaw the implementation of a multi-billion federal rural broadband initiative, resulting in its successful execution.
- Established and led a successful Political Action Committee (PAC), overseeing regulatory compliance with the Federal Election Commission.
- Brought expertise to Capitol Hill by testifying about the legislative implications for rural broadband providers.
- Successfully advocated before Congress, Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice on the anti-trust and consumer harms of several large mergers in the telecommunications industry.
- Led cross industry and consumer group efforts to reduce the costs of cable TV programming costs.
Legislative Assistant
U.S. House of Representatives
01.2003 - 02.2007
- Staffed Members of Congress from the Iowa and Nebraska Delegation.
- Provided comprehensive memos analyzing the effects of federal legislation on constituents and the U.S. economy.
- Drafted and introduced legislation on tax, telecom, copyright, and various other sector specific policy.
- Presented and represented the Member of Congress at industry events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science And Government
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA12.2001
Skills
- Association Management
- Public Policy Drafting
- Relationship Building
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Results-Driven
- Documentation And Reporting
- Presentations
Timeline
Vice President, Government Affairs
USTelecom - The Broadband Association
01.2020 - Current
Vice President, Legislative Affairs
ITTA - The Voice of America's Broadband Providers
02.2007 - 12.2019
Legislative Assistant
U.S. House of Representatives
01.2003 - 02.2007
Bachelor of Science - Political Science And Government
University of Northern Iowa
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