Bradley G. Williams

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

  • An impactful Government Relations executive for one of the largest and most respected Chambers of Commerce in the nation.
  • A skilled communicator and leader able to utilize available resources to solve problems.
  • A recognized expert on state government with significant results in transportation, tax policy, budget reform, health care and international trade.
  • A team player able to manage through transition and maintain high standards while bringing a fresh perspective to challenges and opportunities facing an organization.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Vice President/Director Government Relations, Detroit Regional Chamber,

Detroit/Lansing, Michigan, 2008 - present

 

  • Promoted to Vice President after an extensive statewide search upon the departure of predecessor (1/1/11) with new duties including staff management, PAC administration and federal and regional affairs.
  • Worked with policy makers, Chamber members, business allies and lobby corps to advance the Detroit Regional Chamber’s legislative and political agenda.

·         Developed and executed the Chamber’s pro-business public policy agenda, including legislation to resolve Detroit’s municipal bankruptcy, elimination of the Michigan Business Tax, agreement to construct the New International Trade Crossing, and passage of a balanced state budget including a number of Chamber proposed spending reforms.

·         Served as the lead business representative for multiple statewide and regional ballot efforts focused on international trade, tax reform, road funding and regional transit Media clips can be viewed at www.brad-williams.com

·         Successfully led the private sector efforts to support legislation allowing for the successful conclusion of the City of Detroit’s municipal bankruptcy, mitigating pension cuts and protecting the assets of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

·         Led a coalition of over 20 members including Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations advocating for 19 specific state budget spending reforms which included recommendations passed during Democratic control of the Governor’s office and House of Representatives.  Additionally, many of the coalition recommendations were adopted as part of Gov. Snyder’s agenda beginning in 2011.

·         Developed and promoted a plan to save over $800 million in the Michigan Department of Corrections and was asked to serve on Governor-elect Snyder’s transition advisory group.

·         Led efforts by the Chamber PAC to increase overall fundraising including the design and implementation of a corporate giving option for political engagement. 

·         Managed the interviews and endorsement process for the Detroit Regional Chamber PAC, one of the most sought after endorsements for candidates at all levels of Government and the most bi-partisan general business PAC in Michigan.

·         Managed the Chamber’s Grass Roots Advocacy Efforts including the emergency rescue program for the auto industry, NITC and cost saving structural reform.

  • Played a key role in the Mackinac Policy Conference (the premiere public policy conference in the Midwest) planning efforts, including oversight of the annual PAC reception, conference sessions as required and policy maker engagement.

 

Executive Director, Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation, Detroit, Michigan, 2015 to present

  • Played a key leadership role in the development of the “Forward Detroit” strategy to better align the business attraction, automotive and talent and education work funded by the Foundation with the Government Relations effort of the Chamber.
  • Participated in fundraising efforts geared towards doubling annual support from corporate community.
  • Served as the liaison between Forward Detroit programs and the Chamber’s CEO.
  • Currently leading efforts to re-align the Forward Detroit investor engagement strategy to provide consistency across programs, develop new committees and ensure impactful engagement for existing committees.

 

Executive Director, Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition, 2016 to present

  • Leading a 40-member coalition of major metropolitan Chamber’s across the Midwest with a focus on shared interests in federal government relations.
  • Responsible for member recruitment and retention of a $180,000 annual budget. 
  • Manage Washington, DC and regionally based consultants which provide lobbying and professional services for the coalition.
  • Lead a participatory management structure of government relations executives and major investors from throughout the Midwest.

 

Legislative Liaison, Michigan Department of Transportation,

Lansing, Michigan, 2005 – 2008

  • Worked effectively with legislators, Administration staff and members of the business community and lobby corps to advance the Governor’s transportation agenda.
  • Served as the liaison to the Michigan House of Representatives.
  • Coordinated legislative strategy on key issues including advancing the study and construction of a new Detroit River International Crossing (now New International Trade Crossing), a billboard moratorium and continued authorization of passenger rail and state appropriations.

 

Policy Analyst, Michigan Senate Democratic Staff,

Lansing, Michigan, 2005

  • Effectively analyzed policy and advised Leadership and Senate members on issues and bills before the Commerce, Labor and Small Business; Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committees.
  • Served as the lead staffer on negotiations which resulted in the creation of the Governor’s 21st Century Jobs Fund.
  • Provided additional analysis on the Department of Human Services Budget.

 

Legislative Assistant, Senator Raymond E. Basham,

Lansing, Michigan, 2003-2005

·         Served as the Senator’s lead advisor on policy matters with a special emphasis on his committee assignments (Economic Development, Transportation, Local Government and Natural Resources)

·         Planned and implemented legislative strategy pertaining to the proposed Michigan Smoke-Free Dining Act.

·         Assisted constituents with policy related inquiries.

 

Policy Analyst, Michigan House Democratic Staff,

Lansing, Michigan, 1999-2003

  • Effectively analyzed policy and advised Leadership and House members on issues and bills before the Economic Development, Transportation, Local Government and Natural Resources Committees.
  • Provided advice and analysis on the Higher Education and Department of Natural Resources budgets.
  • Served as lead staffer on the Streamlined Sales Tax Act and Governor Engler’s proposed income tax cut acceleration.

 

VOLUNTEER/CIVIC ACTIVITIES

·         Recipient, Crain’s Detroit Business “40 Under 40”

·         Secretary, Citizens for Connecting Our Communities, 2016

·         Chairman’s Committee, A Coalition for Transit, 2016

·         Department of Environment Quality, Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Council                  (Gubernatorial Appointee)

·         Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending, Board Member

·         City of Lansing Planning Board, Former Acting Chair (2006-2011)

·         City of Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals (2009-2011)

EDUCATION

Calvin College

Grand Rapids, Michigan

1995 – 1999

B.A., Political Science