Somtoochukwu Ik-Ejiofor
281-***-**** Houston, Texas ****@******.***
CAREER SUMMARY
Experienced public affairs professional with a background in connecting with constituents, public officials, state agencies and media by gathering, synthesizing, and analyzing information. Proven strengths in drafting legislative analyses, including bill analyses, as well as performing statutory research. Demonstrated ability to produce annual, weekly, monthly reports that analyzes data in a clear, professional, and timely manner. Proficient in my ability to coordinate and communicate with all project stakeholders, and executive staff. Exceptionally committed team player who manages the delivery of functional objectives by providing leadership and direction to team members. Passionate about delivering sustainable decarbonization results by creating meaningful change within the energy industry. Proven competencies in:
Energy industry (Finance, Policy and Economics) Regional market structures
State & Federal government Legislative processes Word, Teams, PowerPoint, Sharepoint
Energy Policy formation and application Extensive Legislative research
EDUCATION
The University of Texas at Austin, LBJ School of Public Affairs, Austin, Texas
Master of Public Affairs/Policy (MPA), 2020
University of Houston, Houston, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Economics (BS), 2015
Bachelor of Science in Political Science (BS), 2015
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Legislative Budget Intern – Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA) December 2020 – June 2021
Analyzed every budget request made by over 170 state agencies during the Legislative session
Persuasively advocated for TPEA & Employee Retirement System (ERS) objectives to 30 Texas state senators
Established and maintained good working relationships with government affairs and public policy representatives of other state agencies
Provided analysis of new and proposed legislation or regulations to determine impact on public retirement systems
Communicated with public retirement systems and other stakeholders and provided technical assistance
Renewable Hydrogen Alliance (RHA), Portland, Oregon May – August 2020
Policy Analyst Intern
Presented & connected with 30+ Oregon legislative members to inform them of critical issues during COVID-19
Proactively monitored and assessed relevant hydrogen global trends by conducting research
Analyzed large databases to provide recommendations on hydrogen policies in 7 states
Led meetings with high level officials from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to provide key economic indicators of the hydrogen sector
Led the development for the US National Hydrogen Day to create awareness of the of benefits of hydrogen
Assisted in developing various hydrogen policy positions, supporting and amplifying hydrogen policy advocacy to facilitate business executions in hydrogen projects
Actively pursued and developed new unique analytical approaches that provided value to existing internal RHA clients and stakeholders
UT Austin: Dean of Students (DOS), Austin, Texas August 2018 – May 2019
Graduate Assistant
Developed a $200,000 budget for the DOS to serve student organizations and deliver value within its budget
Managed over 1200 student organizations and a staff of 16
Facilitated 5,000+ written materials to create awareness on all the student organizations to educate students on campus resources
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Austin, Texas 2019
Weights and Measures Intern
Conducted economic analysis of agricultural assets that enabled a broad base of commercial and local engagements
Examined monthly production reports, records, and documentation submitted by food retailers and food companies about eggs in the entire state of Texas
Compiled and interpreted statistical data in analyzing and assessing departmental operations, schedules and long-range forecasting for the future of the TDA
Operated across TDA at multiple levels by utilizing institutional knowledge and resources from team members
Investigated new innovations and improvements to several USDA food policy programs
City of Houston, Houston, Texas 2013
Financial Intern
Conducted rigorous internal, operational, and financial analysis that were published as part of the city’s financials
Developed the Bank on Houston Program that supports the underbanked community in Houston
Provided direction and information resources to financial assistance recipients
Coordinated Shark Tank event to connect inventors with vendors/investors in the City of Houston
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES
UT Austin: Longhorn Energy Club, Austin, Texas
Energy Week Chairperson 2018-2020
Planned the 2019 and 2020 UT annual Energy Week conference
Collaborated with a team of 10 to decide on the conference keynote speaker and ensured a smooth working relationship with the speaker, Daniel R. Simmons, the Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at the Department of Energy
Developed and implemented policies and procedures for planning the annual UT Energy week with 583 registered participants
AWARDS
Congressional Award for excellent performance 2014
UT Continuing Education Scholarship 2018, 2019, 2020
Helen J. & Robert S. Strauss Fellow 2020
Governor’s Fellow (Office of the Governor, Austin, Texas) 2020