Lobbyists

Bio, via Department of Commerce:

Before joining the U.S. Department of Commerce, Steff served as the state of Indiana’s first Chief Innovation Officer under then-Governor Pence and subsequently Governor Holcomb. He was Executive Vice President for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the state’s senior advisor for science, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Steff oversaw Indiana’s strategy regarding science and technology economic development and was directly responsible for the implementation of the Governor’s billion-dollar innovation and entrepreneurship initiative. He worked to expand investments and public-private partnerships throughout the state in information technology, life sciences, composite materials, nanotechnology, energy storage, advanced manufacturing, and the Internet of Things. Steff served on the Board of Directors of the Battery Innovation Center in Southern Indiana, the Dean of Engineering’s Advisory Council at Purdue University, and the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Advisory Board at IUPUI. Steff also served on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation. Prior to his roles in the state of Indiana, Steff worked for the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) in Washington, DC for nearly a decade. At the SIA, he served as an elected officer and vice president of global policy and technology partnerships. He was chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the United States Information Technology Office in Beijing. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors and the Advisory Board of Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Microelectronics. Steff started his professional career as a member of the Ways and Means trade staff in the U.S. House of Representatives under Chairman Thomas and Subcommittee Chairmen Shaw and Crane. Steff graduated Magna Cum Laude from American University where he possesses a B.A. in International Studies. He also completed graduate work at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and received a M.A. in International Science and Technology Policy from the George Washington University.

Bio, via LinkedIn:

Accomplished Washington representative with over 35 years of broadly diversified experience with the United States Congress and Executive Branch. Worked as Congressional Leadership staff and committee staff; White House staff; represented corporate clients in legislative practice of major law firm; trade association, and prominent citizen grassroots organization, and government agencies. Extensive knowledge of the legislative process and excellent network skills to accomplish effective representation for legislative, policy or fundraising initiatives.

Bio, via LinkedIn:

I have a career in government relations, currently with the Department of Commerce - International Trade Administration. Before re-joining the government, I worked for WestRock (formerly known as MeadWestvaco), a global packaging and chemicals manufacturer. I established and ran the Washington, D.C. office and led the federal government relations program, working closely with senior executives. In earlier years, I also worked as a lobbyist for a major trade association, and I began my career on Capitol Hill - U.S. House of Representatives as a legislative aide. My passion is working to pinpoint public policy strategies and messaging that have an impact on business competitiveness. This involves managing public policy communications, working with trade associations and other stakeholder organizations, and directed at Members of Congress and regulatory officials. I am skilled at leading coalition advocacy efforts on major public policy issues of importance to U.S. manufacturing. This involves combining a high degree of business acumen with an ability to craft and execute strategic lobbying initiatives focused on legislation and regulations. I have successfully worked on major policy areas of importance to U.S. manufacturing, including taxation, international trade, environment, energy, transportation and employee workforce issues.

Bio, via U.S. Department of the Interior:

Sweeney grew up in rural Alaska and has spent a lifetime actively engaged in state and national policy arenas focused on advocating for responsible Indian energy policy, rural broadband connectivity, Arctic growth and Native American self-determination. She has served her Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and its subsidiaries in a variety of capacities for nearly two decades. The $2.6 billion corporation is the largest locally-owned and operated business in Alaska, with about 13,000 Iñupiat Eskimo members and 12,000 employees worldwide. In her role as the Executive Vice President of External Affairs, she was responsible for all facets of government affairs and corporate communications. Her primary responsibilities include strategic policy and position development, implementation and execution; engagement with federal and state executive and legislative branches on improving policies affecting Indian energy, taxation, resource development, government contracting, broadband development and access to capital; as well as all facets of corporate communication as official company spokesperson, including stakeholder engagement and coalition building. Sweeney also has served in leadership positions on numerous business and nonprofit boards at both the state and national level, including chair of the Arctic Economic Council from 2015 to 2017; co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives (2013); Coast Guard Foundation Board of Trustees; the University of Alaska Foundation Board of Trustees; FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in a Digital Age; Analytical Services, Inc.; Kohanic Broadcast Corporation (parent to the first Native American-owned, publicly supported FM radio station); Cherokee Nation New Market Tax Credit Advisory Board (CNB Economic Development Company, LLC, beneficiary); Breast Cancer Focus, Inc.; and Arctic Power. Among her honors, Sweeney -- a lifetime member of the National Congress of American Indians -- was crowned Miss NCAI in 1993 and traveled the country as an ambassador for the organization. In 2003, Governor Frank Murkowski recognized Sweeney’s passion for rural Alaska, appointing her to his cabinet as Special Assistant for Rural Affairs and Education. In 2008 she was honored as a “Top Forty Under 40″ business leader by the Alaska Journal of Commerce. In 2014 & 2017 her team won two Emmy® Awards from the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, for its IAM IÑUPIAQ commercial campaign 2014 and its 2017 long-format documentary titled, “True North, the Story of ASRC”. She also served as co-chair for Senator Dan Sullivan’s (R-AK) successful Senate campaign. In 2017 she was inducted into the Anchorage ATHENA Society, a program of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce that encourages the potential of women as valued members and leaders of the business community. Born to Dr. Bryan Mac Lean and the Late Representative Eileen Panigeo Mac Lean, Sweeney is the granddaughter of the Late May Ahmaogak Panigeo and the Late Henry Panigeo of Barrow. She is the great granddaughter of the Late Bert and Nellie Panigeo and Isabel and Dr. Roy Ahmaogak. She was raised, attended schools and lived most of her life in rural Alaska in villages from Noorvik to Wainwright, Barrow, Bethel, and Unalakleet. She graduated from Barrow High School in 1991. A 1998 graduate of Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Sweeney is married to Kevin, and together they have two children, Caitlin and Ahmaogak.

Bio, via Office of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise:

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today announced that Laura Trueman will join his team as Senior Policy Advisor and Conservative Coalitions Coordinator. Trueman comes to the Whip’s office from The Heritage Foundation, where she served as the Director of Strategic Operations, focusing on conservative policies to improve healthcare and retirement security, and cut spending. She was appointed by President Reagan to serve in the Executive Branch, has worked for a Fortune 25 healthcare company, and was previously an aide in the U.S. Senate.