Download WGR Speed Mentoring Mentor Bios

WGR Speed Mentoring Mentor Bios
Janie Wise Thompson
Janie is a Vice President at Cassidy and Associates, where she works on issues
related to alternative energy development, environmental compliance, climate
change, public lands, energy tax and technology innovation. Janie earlier served
the Obama Administration as a Congressional Affairs Liaison for the Department of
Energy where she was responsible for monitoring federal energy policy,
interacting with state and local government stakeholders and briefing lawmakers
and their staff on DOE initiatives and priorities. Prior to the DOE, Janie served on
the staff of the House Committee on Science and Technology under Chairman Bart
Gordon (D-TN) and Subcommittee Chairman Brian Baird (D-WA), where she
focused on federal authorizations for on energy and environment research, development and
demonstration. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Ms. Thompson is a graduate of The University of the
South, Magna Cum Laude and holds a Masters of Science in Engineering Management and Systems
Engineering from The George Washington University. She is mother to 6 month old twins, Evie and May.
Cherie Wilson
Cherie Wilson is a Director of Federal & Administration Affairs for General
Motors. In this capacity, she is responsible for developing and executing a
legislative and political engagement strategy for GM and the company’s
captive finance arm, GM Financial, on a broad range of financial services
issues affecting the auto industry. She also works closely with other
internal clients in the sustainability and diversity space to help strengthen
relationships on Capitol Hill and in the Administration.
Most recently, she served as a Vice President in the Washington, DC office of M. J. Bradley & Associates
(MJB&A), a strategic environmental consulting firm based in New England where she worked with a
variety of clients on air quality and climate change related initiatives before the EPA and Congress. Prior
to joining MJB&A, Cherie served as a Director of Legislative Affairs for the Electric Power Supply
Association (EPSA), representing the competitive power supply sector on a diverse set of energy and
environmental matters before Congress and the Administration. Previously, she worked for
Constellation Energy as a Director of Federal Affairs, where she focused on climate and environmental
policies that aligned with the company’s business objectives. Before joining the private sector Cherie
worked on Capitol Hill as a Senior Policy Advisor for U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) and as a Legislative
Assistant for U.S. Congressman Albert R. Wynn (D-MD).
Cherie holds a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the
Environment and a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Political Science from the University of
Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Washington Government Relations Group, an active fitness
enthusiast, and currently resides in Maryland with her daughter Danielle.
Emily Duncan
Emily Duncan is a Director of Federal Relations at National Grid, an electric
and natural gas transmission and distribution utility with customers in
Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. Previously, she was Director of
Government Affairs & Counsel at the Solar Energy Industries Association,
the national trade association for the solar industry. Before joining SEIA,
Emily was an energy attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP in Washington, DC,
where she represented various utilities and development companies before the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania and earned a law degree from Duke University. Emily lives in Washington, DC with her
husband, Matt, and their son, Harrison.
Emily Sass
Emily Sass is Manager, Government Relations for Raytheon supporting the
Space and Airborne Systems Business. Previously, Sass was supporting
Raytheon Missile Systems Business for 3 years. Emily came to Raytheon in
2012 from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS),
where she was the Senior Legislative Affairs Manager for air programs. Emily
also served in the Air National Guard for 14 years, joining in September 2001.
She finished her military career as a traditional guardsman in the 113th Wing,
District of Columbia Air National Guard. Emily first worked as an Aerospace Control and Warning
Systems Operator from 2001- 2009 in the Iowa Air National Guard and then the Pennsylvania Air
National Guard. She was then selected to receive her commission and became an aircraft maintenance
officer for F-16s, and most recently for C-38s, and C-40s at Joint Base Andrews, MD.
Emily received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Iowa. In addition,
she has completed courses on acquisition processes and business development through both the
Defense Acquisition University and Raytheon.
Jenifer Nawrocki
Jenifer Nawrocki is the Legislative Director for Congressman David Jolly of
Florida. Jen has spent several years on the Hill, first with Congressman Bill
Young and then with Congressman Sean Duffy, before joining Mr. Jolly’s
office. She also spent some time in the private sector as the Director of
Legislative Affairs for the National Propane Gas Association. Jen earned her
B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Theology from The Catholic University of
America.
Valarie Molaison
Val Molaison provides government relations support for the Pew Charitable
Trusts’ dental project aimed at enhancing oral health and access to care for
underserved Americans. Prior to Pew, she served as health policy advisor and as
AAAS Science Fellow in the US Senate. Her PhD in applied developmental
psychology is from the University of Maryland. She also completed a residency
and post-doc in pediatric psychology at Michigan State University, working with
ill children as part of the medical team. Her career as a psychologist spans over
20 years and includes roles such as pediatric psychologist, bereavement center
clinical director, university adjunct associate professor, corporate diversity consultant, pediatric
rehabilitation consultant, and psychotherapist. Dr. Molaison has been a frequent presenter and subject
matter expert for print, radio, web, and television media coverage of topics related to coping with loss
and life transition. Prior to graduate school, Dr. Molaison worked as a news reporter, focusing on policymaking bodies.
Stephanie Valencia
Stephanie Valencia works in Strategic Partnerships and Outreach at Google.
Prior to that, she was the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of
Commerce, where she was involved in strategic planning and Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs, among other things. Stephanie also worked in The
White House for several years, in the Office of Public Engagement. Stephanie
received her B.A. in International Affairs from Boston College.