Government Relations

MARCUS A. WOODSON

**** **** ***** ***. * Dublin, CA 94568 • *************@*****.*** • 215-***-****

Professional Summary

Attorney with 15 years of experience providing exceptional policy and legal guidance to members of Congress, C-Suite executives, and clients. Impactful team member and individual contributor relied upon to advise, educate, and communicate complex topics including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, energy, and emerging technologies.

Sandia National Laboratories Livermore, CA

Government Relations Officer, 2013 to 2020

Advised the C-Suite team on the impact of funding legislation to the lab’s $3.7 billion dollar budget resulting in a $287 million dollar division’s realignment.

Guided a project management team of 15 entities comprised that successfully executed a strategy to secure support from members of Congress, state, and local governments for a $100 million dollar research facility.

Oversaw a cross functional team whose legal and financial analysis of a proposed change to employee benefits led to a policy change that saved the company $15 million dollars.

Created and executed a strategy that built relationships and raised awareness of the lab’s expertise in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber security, life sciences, and other leading edge technologies with 35 Congressional offices.

Coached executive leadership and scientists on communicating key messages to non-technical audiences and escorted them to 63 meetings with members of Congress, local officials, and regional business associations.

Headed all interactions with Congressional district staff and prominent business organizations whose members include Fortune 100 companies.

Assisted the Diversity and Inclusion team with lab wide initiatives to highlight the accomplishments of employees of color and the LGBTQ community, conducted trainings for leadership on unconscious bias, and worked with employee resource groups to foster an inclusive workplace environment.

Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Maryland’s 4th District Washington, D.C.

Senior Legislative Assistant, 2012 to 2013

Championed the member’s agenda on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by working with staff to promote her priorities of green infrastructure and transit-oriented development.

Drafted 16 amendments for legislation considered by the full House and before the House Transportation and Science Committees on emerging technologies such as cybersecurity, manned space flight.

Directed a coalition of local and state officials, a union, and Congressional offices that prevented the removal of hundreds of federal jobs from the Washington D.C. area.

Mobilized community organizations and a coalition of Congressional offices to raise awareness of green infrastructure legislation and sustainable methods of decreasing urban runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.

Wrote social and print media content for the Communications Director and prepared the member for appearances on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos”, MSNBC, and other media outlets.

Congressman John Garamendi, California’s 10th District Washington, D.C.

Legislative Assistant, 2010 to 2012

Launched a recently appointed member’s agenda on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by working with committee staff, writing opening statements, and questions for hearings.

Authored four bills on energy policy, domestic manufacturing, and civil rights, as well as six amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act on advanced energy technology and U.S. detainee policy.

Orchestrated a coalition of Congressional offices, General Electric Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and renowned thought leaders to raise awareness of an advanced nuclear reactor technology resulting in the member testifying before the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future.

Directed Energy and Water Development Appropriations for three years, prioritizing funding requests based on relationships developed with local governments and district stakeholders.

Congressman John Garamendi, California’s 10th District Washington, D.C.

Fellow, 2009 to 2010

Advised the Chief of Staff and acting Legislative Director as they shaped the Congressman’s legislative agenda for the 111th Congress.

Oversaw the House Committee for Science, Space, and Technology and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure during a critical transition period.

Pepper Hamilton, LLP Philadelphia, PA

Contract Attorney, 2009

Guided a team of six reviewers navigating the complexities of multi-district pharmaceutical litigation.

The Law Offices of J. Edward McCain III Philadelphia, PA

Associate, 2007 to 2009

Zealously advocated for clients alleging employment discrimination, violations of their civil rights, and other civil matters in federal, state, and local courts.

Dechert, LLP Philadelphia, PA

Contract Attorney, 2007

Aided in the review of legal and scientific documents for multi-district pharmaceutical litigation.

Abramson & Denenberg, P.C. Philadelphia, PA

Law Clerk, 2004 to 2005

Authored and submitted complaints and briefs in local, state, and federal courts.

EDUCATION

Temple University Beasley School of Law Philadelphia, PA

Graduated: 2004

Degree: Juris Doctor

Temple University Philadelphia, PA

Graduated: 2000

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Major in History and Minor in Political Science

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES AND SECURITY CLEARANCE

Admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Held a Department of Energy Q Security Clearance at Sandia National Laboratories.

VOLUNTEERING

EL Haynes Public Charter School Washington D.C. 2012-2013

oAssisted program director with arts and crafts projects for the third and fourth grades.

Edna Brewer Elementary School Oakland Unified School District 2015-2018

oTutored eighth grade students in History and English.

SKILLS

Leading cross-functional teams engaging internal and external stakeholders

Assisting C-Suite teams with strategic planning

Coaching thought leaders and technical experts to convey key messages to Congressional audiences

Able to distill complicated topics into clear and concise communications

High level of expertise in legislative and legal research and drafting

Persuasive and engaging presentation/public speaking skills

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