William D. Bessey
Augusta,ME
Summary
Expert in government affairs and stakeholder engagement, adept at managing legislative operations for multiple State Senators. Excels in balancing competing priorities, conducting policy research, and drafting official communications, all while maintaining a focus on resolving complex constituent matters and enhancing legislative efficiency.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Legislative Aide
Senate Republican Office
07.2023 - Current
- Manage the largest legislative aide portfolio in the Maine Senate, providing direct support to six State Senators.
- Coordinated legislative priorities, executive scheduling, committee preparation, constituent services, and policy research to support efficient legislative operations.
- Acted as primary liaison with constituents, municipalities, executive agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and business leaders to facilitate communication and address concerns.
- Research legislation and prepare briefing materials for committee hearings and Senate floor proceedings.
- Draft speeches, testimony, newsletters, proclamations, legislative summaries, and official correspondence.
- Coordinate meetings, tours, agency briefings, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
- Resolved complex constituent matters through collaboration with state agencies and community partners, ensuring timely and effective solutions.
- Balance multiple competing priorities while consistently meeting legislative deadlines.
Inside Sales Specialist
Hammond Lumber Company
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Cultivated strong customer relationships through proactive and responsive service, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Advised customers on tailored residential and commercial building material solutions to meet specific project needs.
- Managed inventory, order fulfillment, and vendor coordination.
Field Coordinator
Maine Senate Republicans
12.2021 - 11.2022
- Organized fundraising events, recruited volunteers, led petition drives, and executed voter outreach initiatives.
- Coordinated statewide campaign operations to enhance support for Senate candidates.
- Worked directly with candidates, campaign leadership, volunteers, and donors.
- Assisted with campaign communications to strengthen strategic field efforts.
Arborist Assistant
The Tree Man
09.2020 - 11.2021
- Supported commercial and residential tree operations while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
- Assisted with equipment operation, scheduling, logistics, and customer service to support daily operations of small business.
- Worked full-time as arborist assistant during COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of services.
Wealth Management Intern
Merrill Lynch
03.2020 - 06.2020
- Prepared daily market briefings to enhance decision-making in investment research.
- Supported financial planning and portfolio analysis to optimize client investment outcomes.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and inform investment strategies.
International Intern
Mathare Youth Sports Association
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Completed international internship with focus on cross-cultural communication and project collaboration.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities for over 30 youth soccer teams, fostering teamwork and skill development.
- Assisted in administrative planning and community-building initiatives, enhancing access to resources for underserved youth.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Politics, Anthropology
Bates College
Lewiston, Maine05-2020
Skills
- Government Relations
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Communications
- Relationship Management
- Executive Support
- Constituent Services
- Policy Research
- Community Engagement
- Project Management
- Public Speaking
- Professional Writing
Leadership And Recognition
- Bates College Rugby Captain
- Bates College Varsity Football
- James J. Fitzpatrick Award Finalist
- Maine Gatorade Player of the Year Finalist - Football
- Howard Vandersea Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award
- Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl East Team Captain
- Pine Tree Conference Football Player of the Year
- Brunswick High School Warren Pearl Award - Outstanding Male Athlete
- Two Time All State Portland Press Herald First Team Football
Timeline
Legislative Aide
Senate Republican Office
07.2023 - Current
Inside Sales Specialist
Hammond Lumber Company
02.2023 - 07.2023
Field Coordinator
Maine Senate Republicans
12.2021 - 11.2022
Arborist Assistant
The Tree Man
09.2020 - 11.2021
Wealth Management Intern
Merrill Lynch
03.2020 - 06.2020
International Intern
Mathare Youth Sports Association
03.2019 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Politics, Anthropology
Bates College