Government Affairs Policy Analyst

Bruce C. Cotton

*************@*****.*** • Largo, Florida 33774 • https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-cotton-479a567 • 727-***-****

Government Affairs Professional

Results-oriented policy and government affairs professional with a proven track record of success in advocacy, policy analysis, and strategic decision-making. Skilled in drafting legislation, delivering strategic insights on policy issues, and driving impactful change. Adept at building relationships with key stakeholders, collaborating with government personnel, and advocating on policy issues. Strong communicator with written and verbal communication expertise, political acumen, and effective team leadership.

Career Experience

Legislative Policy Analyst

Stateside Associates – Arlington, VA (November 2021 to current)

Analyze and summarize state and federal legislation and regulatory rules to support legislative and regulatory policy managers.

Maintains and updates the legislation database with current legislative information.

Policy Analyst -DHA / DES Support

Gritter Francona – Rockville, MD (November 2021 to March 2022)

Authored written materials used by government personnel to brief senior civilian and military leadership. Analyzes and summarizes Veterans Administration, and Department of Defense regulations directives.

Prepared support materials and recommendation reports for Defense Health Agency/Disability Evaluation Service. Holds Public Trust clearance.

Senior Public Policy Analyst

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.- Tampa, FL (January 2017 to March 2020)

Led the completion of research projects and developed informational materials related to a variety of healthcare topics. Supervised my co-workers' professional development, advising them on how to best reach their full potential at work.

Drafted legislation and language used in legislative amendments, supported by current laws and regulations analysis.

Streamlined operational procedures, reducing delivery time for policy analysis requests by an average of 2 hours.

Received WellCare Champion Award for creating informative literature used in training associates and executives.

Congressional Aide

Office of U.S. Congressman David Jolly – Seminole, FL (January 2016 to January 2017)

Collaborated with constituents on various unique and individual concerns and provided resolutions through communication with federal agencies.

Successfully facilitated the correction of clerical errors on a Navy Veteran's record, resulting in improved benefits and the proper award of the Vietnam Service Medal.

Owner/President

Cotton Consulting – Largo, FL (January 2013 to current)

Provided legislative and community affairs consulting, including representation on behalf of clients before federal, state, and local officials and agencies. Conducted in-depth analysis of legislation and regulatory changes, offering strategic insights to clients.

Played a key role in achieving property annexation by utilizing research and analytical work for a client.

Managed and operated the Western Pinellas campaign office for Jeff Brandes' State Senate campaign, leading a grassroots voter recruitment effort that increased voter turnout by 9 percent in Western Pinellas County.

Director of Government Affairs

American Association of Physician Specialists – Tampa, FL (March 2010 to July 2012)

Actively monitored and analyzed legislative, regulatory, and public affairs issues affecting the association. Collaborated with the organization’s lobbyists to promote policies that would benefit the organization. Delivered all public responses nationally on behalf of the membership.

Crafted a strategic plan and managed the political action committee, increasing fundraising efforts by 10 percent over 2 years.

Drafted multiple pieces of legislation and amendment language for the association.

Significantly reduced department expenses by 75 percent, reallocating resources towards effective lobbying efforts.

Additional Experience

Senior Chief District Legislative Assistant – Florida House of Representatives

2006 Candidate for Florida House of Representatives, District 51

Education

Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Public Administration and Political Science

University of Central Florida

Skills

• Public Speaking

• Community Outreach

• Health Policy

• Written communication

• Relationship Building

• Federal Government Relations

• External lobbyist Management

• Policy Development

• Research

• Legislative Analysis

• Issue Advocacy

• Healthcare Policy

• Multi-state Government Affairs

• Team Building

• Strategy Planning

• Process Improvement

• Data Analysis

• People Leadership

• PAC Management

• Fundraising

• Lobbying

• Medicaid

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