Ryan McKenna
St Louis,MO
Summary
Dynamic and resourceful professional with extensive experience in legislative processes and government relations. Adept at building strategic relationships and advocating for policy positions that align with organizational goals. Proven track record of effective verbal and written communication skills, complemented by strong negotiation and influence abilities. Skilled in multi-tasking and problem-solving in high-pressure environments, with a deep understanding of the non-profit sector and cabinet-level experience.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Government and Community Relations Liaison
St. Louis Community College
04.2018 - Current
- Developed and Executed Advocacy Strategies: Created and implemented comprehensive strategies to promote the college's interests and objectives within the local, state, and federal government arenas.
- Built Strategic Relationships: Established and maintained strong relationships with key government officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and support for the college's initiatives.
- Policy Analysis and Communication: Analyzed complex legislative and regulatory issues, prepared policy briefs, and effectively communicated the college's positions to internal and external audiences.
- Organized and Led Engagement Activities: Coordinated events, meetings, and outreach activities to engage government representatives and community leaders, enhancing the college's visibility and influence.
- Secured Funding and Resources: Advocated for and secured funding and resources through government grants and partnerships to support college programs and infrastructure.
- Monitored Legislative Developments: Continuously monitored legislative developments and advised college leadership on potential impacts and strategic responses.
State Director
Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Leadership and Oversight: Directed over 1,000 employees across Division of Employment Security, Division of Workers' Compensation, Division of Labor Standards, Commission on Human Rights, and State Board of Mediation.
- Program Management: Managed critical state programs, including Missouri's Unemployment Compensation, Workers' Compensation, and Second Injury Fund, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with state laws.
- Policy Enforcement: Supervised enforcement of Prevailing Wage and Child Labor laws, Worker Safety programs, and Mine and Cave Inspections, promoting safe and fair working conditions statewide.
- Regulatory Administration: Administered Missouri's official Minimum Wage policy, setting and enforcing wage standards to protect workers' rights.
- Judicial Oversight: Directed activities of Missouri's Administrative Law Judges, ensuring fair and timely adjudication of labor-related disputes.
Member
Missouri State Senate
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Ranking Member of the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee, Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee, Ranking Member of the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee
Construction Marketing Director
Laborers'-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET)
01.2004 - 01.2013
- Identified and addressed issues common to both labor and management, designed and composed quarterly magazines and billboards with Adobe InDesign, negotiated with television and radio to design advertising to promote LECET
Member
Missouri House of Representatives
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Member of the House Appropriation Committee on Economic Development, Criminal Law, Transportation and Employment Security, Member of the Criminal Law Committee
Education
B.S. Education -
Missouri State University
Springfield01.1997
Skills
- Intergovernmental Operations
- Budget Oversight
- Public policy development
- Extensive Public Speaking
- Political and Legislative Knowledge
- Planning and Permitting
- Public/Private Partnerships
- Negotiation Tactics
Boards and Recognition
- Governor Jay Nixon Trade Mission Appointee to Europe (2012)
- St. Louis Business Journal Outstanding Legislator (2002, 2007, 2008)
- St. Louis Magazine, Top Twenty Most Magnetic Area Personalities (2001)
- Missouri Community College Legislator of the Year (2000)
- Elected Board Member, Glaize Creek Sewer District (1998-2004)
- Board Member, The Kids' House, a home for abused teenagers (1998-2003)
Affiliations
- Relay for Life, Volunteer
- Next Step For Life, Volunteer for those with developmental disabilities
Timeline
Government and Community Relations Liaison
St. Louis Community College
04.2018 - Current
State Director
Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations
01.2013 - 01.2017
Member
Missouri State Senate
01.2007 - 01.2013
Construction Marketing Director
Laborers'-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET)
01.2004 - 01.2013
Member
Missouri House of Representatives
01.1999 - 01.2004
B.S. Education -
Missouri State University
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