Yelena Vaynberg
Takoma Park,MD
Summary
Accomplished government affairs professional with over 20 years of experience in government affairs and public policy across Congress and private sector. Demonstrates a strong ability to develop and execute advocacy strategies that drive impactful business results. Proven leader with business acumen and commitment to fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders. Aiming to leverage expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments to further enhance organizational objectives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Government and Regulatory Affairs Executive
IBM Corporation
06.2020 - Current
- Develop and execute IBM’s strategic priorities on emerging technology workforce and skills issues including AI and cybersecurity
- Manage key external relationships with elected officials, congressional staff, trade associations, coalitions, and private sector peers including serving as current chair of the Workforce Policy Committee, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and active member of the Education and Workforce Committee, Business Roundtable
- Guide executives in delivering impactful congressional testimony on issues at the intersection of HR, workforce, and technology
- Conduct policy analysis and briefings for IBM executives, and create opportunities for senior executives to engage in targeted advocacy through panels, briefings, and congressional events.
- Created and currently lead a business coalition to drive technology-focused workforce development policy priorities; Coalition advocacy recognized in media outlets such as Politico, Bloomberg Government, and Inside Higher Ed
Congressional Affairs Executive
IBM Corporation
06.2013 - 05.2020
- Redesigned and implemented successful annual congressional fly-ins for over 100 senior executives, attending over 200 meetings on Capitol Hill.
- Supported policy and advocacy engagements on issues including technology, employer-sponsored health care, benefits, and immigration.
- Created targeted congressional advocacy opportunities for senior executives
- Secured the introduction and enactment of several legislative priorities in health IT, technology, and workforce areas, including the MedTech Act, the 21st Century Cures Act, Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019, and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016
Legislative Director
Office of U.S. Representative John Kline (R-MN)
01.2008 - 05.2013
- Managed a legislative team and executed the Member’s agenda with a focus on education, workforce, labor, transportation, and tax issues
- Advised and implemented legislative strategies and policy priorities, coordinated member outreach and messaging, and fostered key relationships with constituents and stakeholder groups
- Formulated policy positions on legislative issues for the member while systematizing his achievements and voting record
- Served as a liaison to committees, caucuses, and leadership offices
Associate Director, Office of Governmental Affairs
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
08.2007 - 12.2007
- Advised congressional offices on transportation policy on behalf of the Secretary and the President
- Managed congressional hearing preparation and briefing materials for the Secretary
- Facilitated and resolved congressional requests in conjunction with DOT agencies
Program Officer, Iraq Program
International Republican Institute (IRI)
12.2004 - 08.2007
- Directed the implementation of IRI’s multi-million-dollar Iraq legislative strengthening grant focused on developing democratic institutions within the Iraqi government and parliament
- Designed new program concepts, proposals, and budgets for USAID and U.S
- Department of State grants
- Developed, organized, and managed training conferences for Iraqi government officials in the U.S., Jordan, Czech Republic, and Iraq
- Created a task force of US-based and international advisors in communications, public relations, and analytical legislative research; organized training sessions for new Iraqi government staff
Senior Legislative Assistant
Office of U.S. Representative Jennifer Dunn (R-WA)
03.2002 - 11.2004
- Formulated legislative initiatives on issues related to appropriations, defense, education, foreign affairs, human resources, and labor
- Established and managed all activities of the Congressional Iraqi Women’s Caucus including inaugural events, publicity initiatives, and outreach activities with Members of Congress
- Played an integral role in enacting the National AMBER Alert Act and the Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 2003
Legislative Assistant
Office of U.S. Representative Jim Ramstad (R-MN)
04.2000 - 03.2002
- Tracked legislative initiatives and composed floor statements, memos, speeches, and letters on wide range of policy issues
- Conducted meetings with constituents and interest groups; Managed computer operations and maintained the Member’s official website
Education
Master of Arts - National Security and Strategic Studies
Naval War College – College of Distance Learning
Washington, D.C.Bachelor of Arts - International Relations: Diplomacy and Interstate Relations
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MinnesotaSkills
- Government Affairs
- Public Policy
- Lobbying and advocacy
- Legislative strategy
- Coalition building
Other Information
Secret Level Clearance (12/09, U.S. House of Representatives), Native Russian speaker, Resides in Takoma Park, MD with husband, daughters, and dog Oreo
Timeline
Government and Regulatory Affairs Executive
IBM Corporation
06.2020 - Current
Congressional Affairs Executive
IBM Corporation
06.2013 - 05.2020
Legislative Director
Office of U.S. Representative John Kline (R-MN)
01.2008 - 05.2013
Associate Director, Office of Governmental Affairs
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
08.2007 - 12.2007
Program Officer, Iraq Program
International Republican Institute (IRI)
12.2004 - 08.2007
Senior Legislative Assistant
Office of U.S. Representative Jennifer Dunn (R-WA)
03.2002 - 11.2004
Legislative Assistant
Office of U.S. Representative Jim Ramstad (R-MN)
04.2000 - 03.2002
Master of Arts - National Security and Strategic Studies
Naval War College – College of Distance Learning
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations: Diplomacy and Interstate Relations
University of Minnesota
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