Speakers

Introducing our Speakers

Session 1: Legislative Process in the Time of Covid-19: Achieving your client's legislative priorities in the face of changing institutions, an uncertain economic future and a global pandemic
Competency: Legislative Process

Chris Griesel, Former Parliamentarian, Texas House of Representatives

For over 25 years, Chris Griesel drafted bills, walked legislators, their staffs and lobbyists through Texas legislative process and pitfalls, and advised presiding officers on the smooth movement (or violent and dramatic death) of over 40,000 legislative documents. He has served as Parliamentarian of the Texas House of Representatives, served two tours as a staff attorney to the Texas Supreme Court, and counseled clients in private practice.

Griesel is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Texas Tech School of Law. He loves the Aggies, Arsenal and his disobedient airedale, Beau. His two kids almost made that list. His favorite quote is "State legislatures are proof God has a very good sense of humor."

Session 2: Drinking from the Fire Hose: Prioritizing the Data
Competency: Tracking and Analyzing Legislation

Dr. Carol Stewart, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Purpose Financial

During her 17 years with Purpose Financial (formerly Advance America), the leading provider of cash advance services, Dr. Stewart has established and executed a multi-state strategic regulatory effort with a strong record of successful campaigns to ensure a sustained and profitable operating environment. Prior to Purpose Financial, Dr. Stewart served as Vice President for Public Policy and Chief Lobbyist for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Before the South Carolina Chamber, Dr. Stewart served in a variety of advisory and leadership roles pertaining to state education in South Carolina. Previously Stewart worked as a teacher, principal and school district superintendent.

Joseph Testa, Vice President, Global Government Affairs, American Express

Joseph Testa is Vice President, Government Affairs at American Express, based in Washington, DC. Testa manages the company's policy agenda, political activities and strategic communications in 50 states, along with an international portfolio. His issue areas of expertise include financial services regulation, electronic payments, data security and consumer contracts.

Earlier in his career Testa held government relations positions at Capital One, the American Council of Life Insurers, SPI/APC and Stateside Associates, and as legislative staff at the Minnesota Senate and Delaware House of Representatives. He is a frequent volunteer for voter registration and political campaigns.

Jenn Stowe, Vice President, Government Relations, The Carpet and Rug Institute

CRI is the trade association with responsibility for representing U.S. manufacturers of carpets and rugs. Stowe's responsibilities include federal, state and local government relations as well as interaction with government agencies and other Washington-based trade associations.

Prior to joining CRI, Stowe worked with the Chlorine Chemistry Council (CCC) in Arlington, VA as Manager, International Affairs. At CCC she worked with product stewardship, government relations and public information regarding chlorine and chlorine chemistry on a national and global basis. Prior to her work at CCC, she spent nearly three years working as a volunteer at an orphanage in Mexico.

Session 3: How to Have Message Discipline When the Media Comes Calling
Competency: Media and Communication Training

Rob Johnson, President, RJ47

Rob Johnson is an Emmy Award Winning, former TV News Anchor who spent 21 years on the airwaves of Chicago. He has now taken that expertise to create his own consulting firm, Rob Johnson Communications, assisting clients with a wide range of communications issues. He is also a partner in the CMO practice of TechCXO, which provides C-Suite level executives on a project, interim, or fractional basis. Rob is actively involved on the boards of three not-for-profits: Special Olympics Illinois, Concussion Legacy Foundation, and Inner City Education Program.

Session 4: Nonverbal Communication Skills that Build Trust and Emotional Well-Being During Social Distancing Conditions
Competency: Media and Communication Training

Jan Hargrave, Body Language Expert

Body language expert Jan Latiolais Hargrave teaches the ways in which your body communicates to the world around you. As the nation's leading behavioral authority and body language expert, Hargrave provides the skills you need to "read" your family, your associates, your customers, in fact, everyone around you. She has shared her expertise about body language, persuasion and influence with the New York Times, NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, Fox Television, the Steve Harvey Show and dozens of popular magazines.

Hargrave's expertise regarding witness preparation, jury selection and interrogation tactics is frequently requested by the United States Military Armed Forces and foreign governments. She is the go-to resource for analyzing key White House figures and Presidential hopefuls for the past 20 years. As a media guest, she relays information concerning the delicate details of the political figure's leadership style, thought processes, and decision-making abilities. Nonverbal communication - body language - often communicates a different message from the spoken word. Hargrave proves with her contagious warmth, wit, and humor that there is a method, and style, to success.

Session 5: Importance of Workplace Equity and Culture
Competency: Leading a State Government Affairs Department

Emily Dickens, Head of Government Affairs, Society for Human Resources Management

Emily Dickens, J.D., serves as SHRM's Corporate Secretary, Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs. She is the executive responsible for coordinating staff to implement the CEO's vision, the liaison for the SHRM Board and subsidiary boards, and executive with oversight of external partnerships, policy and government affairs.

Dickens is an attorney with significant and progressive experience in government, higher education and the non-profit sector. She has served as a member of the leadership team at the University of North Carolina system, the Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Her prior roles include general counsel, chief relationship officer, senior vice president, vice president for public policy and assistant vice president for federal relations. Dickens has also worked at Duke University and Fayetteville State University in administrative and external affairs roles.