CONGRESSIONAL AWARD - Key Persons

Adrian Harpool

Job Titles:

Principal for Adrian Harpool Associates

Adrian serves as principal for Adrian Harpool Associates, a Baltimore-based strategic planning marketing/branding, public relations, and communications consultancy that assists in planning and implementing broad and ambitious programs in support of large-scale real estate development projects, political campaigns and public education/ awareness initiatives. For over two decades Adrian and his associates have delivered solid and successful solutions to sometimes complex challenges for corporate, institutional, government, non-profit and political clients. He has led efforts to launch successful consumer brands, paved the way for large-scale real estate development projects and helped to execute effective campaigns for causes and candidates that have literally transformed the physical, economic, social and political landscapes of communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States and nationwide.

Amanda Covington

Job Titles:

Chief
Trustee

Amanda Covington is Chief Communications & Government Relations Officer for the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. She recently served as Senior Vice President, Communications and Government Relations for Vista Outdoor Inc. Covington has more than 20 years of experience leading corporate communications and government relations strategies impacting financial communications, crisis communications, domestic and international media/public relations, corporate branding and advertising, digital media, employee relations, public policy and legislation, industry associations, and community relations. Prior to Vista Outdoor, Covington served as Vice President, Corporate Communications, for ATK, an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company. Before joining ATK, she was the Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs at the Utah System of Higher Education. While there, she led communications and legislative relations strategies for the State Board of Regents. She also served as the Deputy for Communications and spokesperson for Utah Governor Olene S. Walker and the Director of Communications for the Utah Department of Transportation. She has a background in broadcast journalism, working for Utah's NBC and ABC affiliates. Covington serves as both a trustee and a board member for the Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service for Weber State University, is an advisory board member for the Utah Women's Leadership Institute, is a member of the University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science Advancement Board, and is a board member of the Utah chapter of National Association of Corporate Directors. She earned an Honors bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah. Covington enjoys spending her free time wake surfing, snow skiing, and traveling with her husband and two teenage boys.

Amina Bulman

Job Titles:

Chief of Staff of the Washington Commanders

Amina Bulman is the Chief of Staff of the Washington Commanders. Amina manages cross-cutting business priorities and strategic projects, including new ventures, strategic partnerships, and organization-wide community engagement initiatives. Prior to this role, Amina has held a variety of strategy and operations roles in the nonprofit and social impact space. As the first Chief of Staff of the Obama Foundation's Program team, she designed core elements of the Foundation's civic engagement strategy and managed team operations and budget spanning four cornerstone programs. Amina began her career at McKinsey & Company where she counseled public sector clients on strategy, operations, capital planning, and organizational change management. Amina is a non-resident Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she advises on election security issues and led the design, development, and implementation of a national training program for county and local election officials. Amina holds an MBA with Honors from Harvard Business School and a BA from Yale University, where she was a four-year Division I NCAA rower.

Anne Bruce

Job Titles:

Senior Director of Federal Affairs for Johnson & Johnson

Anne currently serves as Senior Director of Federal Affairs for Johnson & Johnson in Washington, D.C. where she leads federal affairs activities related to the company's medical device sector. In this position, Anne advocates for federal policies and regulations that foster patient access to new, innovative technologies. Prior to this position, Anne served as the Director of Federal Relations for AmerisourceBergen, one of the largest global pharmaceutical distribution companies. Anne has spent a majority of her career on Capitol Hill where she most recently served as a lead health policy advisor in the U.S. Senate. She handled a myriad of global and domestic health policy issues, including the FDA User Fee Reauthorization, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Previously, Anne worked for Feinstein Kean Healthcare, an Ogilvy PR company in Cambridge, MA developing communication programs for emerging biotech and medical device businesses. Anne got her start on Capitol Hill where she worked on the Senate Leadership and Senate Budget Committee staffs. Anne completed internships at the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Senate while completing her undergraduate studies. Anne received her MBA from the University of Cambridge in 2005 while also serving as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. Anne completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2001.

Anthony W. Crowell - President

Job Titles:

Dean
President
President of New York Law School

"Anthony W. Crowell is the 16th Dean and President of New York Law School (NYLS). He also teaches courses on state and local government law. As a first-generation student and a long-time New York City public servant, Dean Crowell proudly reintroduced NYLS as New York's law school. The motto illustrates NYLS's commitment to building a legal profession that reflects the diverse populations it serves. It also underscores NYLS's identity as the only law school in Lower Manhattan, the epicenter of the world's economy. Under Dean Crowell's leadership, NYLS issued its first comprehensive Strategic Plan, annual progress reports on that plan, and a new 2020 Strategic Plan; published an Institutional Diversity Plan, one of the first such plans in American legal education; and built an Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The School also adopted a dynamic and successful new curriculum-Think BIG, strengthened academic and bar support programs, and dramatically expanded clinical and experiential learning programs to leverage New York City as the ultimate classroom. Prior to his appointment, Dean Crowell served as Counselor to New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. For more than a decade in City Hall, he successfully managed a broad portfolio of legal, regulatory, legislative, governance, administrative, and operational matters focused on enhancing New York City's performance, competitiveness, accountability, and public integrity. He also served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the New York City Law Department's Tax & Condemnation and Legal Counsel Divisions, where he handled complex litigation, advised on the legality of disputed policy issues, and drafted legislation and regulations for the Mayor and city agencies. In 2001, he was counsel to the city's Family Assistance Center, aiding families of 9/11 victims and directing the city's World Trade Center Death Certificate Program.

Beverly Gilyard

Job Titles:

Vice President of Federal Strategy for AARP
VP - Federal Strategy

Beverly Gilyard is the Vice President of Federal Strategy for AARP. In this role she leads a team of staff focused on developing strong relationships with Members of Congress and the Executive Branch in support of AARP's social impact agenda. She works with Federal issue teams on lobbying efforts and legislative strategies. She also collaborates with AARP's Integrated Campaigns Unit and its 53 States offices to implement AARP's grassroots strategies, including coordinated state activities and D.C.-based political events on priority issue campaigns. She also serves as the liaison to external organizations affiliated with Members of Congress. Prior to joining AARP, Ms. Gilyard served for eight years as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Director of Member Services. On behalf of the Committee, she served as a liaison to 200 plus members of the United States House of Representatives' Democratic Caucus. She managed the day to day operations of the Member Services Department and provided fundraising, political and legal assistance to the campaigns of the members. Before the DCCC, Ms. Gilyard was a campaign manager and a field coordinator in South Carolina, Louisiana, and New Jersey campaigns. She was successful as part of the effort to re-elect United States Senator Mary Landrieu and Congressman Rodney Alexander in Louisiana. She was also victorious in managing the re-election of State Senator Nia H. Gill in New Jersey, a race that was voted by PoliticsNJ as the 3rd best run campaign in the state for that year. Prior to her stint in the political campaigns arena, Ms. Gilyard worked on Capitol Hill where she served for over five years as the Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Rep. Sanford Bishop from Georgia and for three years as a legislative policy advisor to House Democratic Whip, Steny Hoyer, from Maryland. In these positions, she authored legislation, secured millions in appropriations for district/state projects, developed and implemented legislative strategies, managed staff and special projects, and wrote and edited speeches and press materials. She earned her J.D. in 1993 from Pepperdine University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in 1990 in the dual majors of Political Science and Law & Society from American University. She currently resides in Reston, Virginia.

Bradley Knox

Job Titles:

VP and Counsel, Federal Relations

Brad Knox joined Aflac in 2006 and is responsible for leading Aflac's Federal Relations team and representing Aflac in legislative and regulatory matters with the federal government, including providing policy direction, coordinating federal affairs initiatives and lobbying for the company's interests in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining Aflac, Brad served as chief counsel to the Committee on Small Business for the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was actively engaged in supporting international business development efforts in Central and Eastern Europe for domestic small- and medium-sized businesses. Prior to his congressional work, he founded and was president of DigiTech Systems Solutions Inc. in Montgomery, Alabama. For ten years he served as an Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG), during which time he achieved the rank of major and served as chief of civil litigation; a faculty member at the Air Force JAG School; and a reservist assigned to the Joint Task Force on Global Network Operations in Washington, D.C. Brad began his professional career with Shell Oil in Houston as a computer programmer and analyst. Brad holds a bachelor's degree from Oral Roberts University and a Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law. He is a founding member of The Gloucester Institute and co-founder of Washington Heads of Office (WHOO) and serves on the boards of Meridian, Congressional Award Foundation, Small Business Council of America, Public Affairs Council, National Technology Security Coalition (NTSC), and ICS Inc. In addition, Brad serves on the advisory board for FMC (the Association of Former Members of Congress) and Ford's Theatre Board of Governors. His community involvement includes board membership at Hoops For Youth Foundation and works with Healthy Babies Project, Inc., a local organization supporting at-risk mothers and families.

Bri Murphy

Job Titles:

CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Bruce Walker

Job Titles:

Associate Director

Bruce Walker serves as Associate Director - Television & Entertainment Division for the Government of the District of Columbia's Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment. Mr. Walker is a talented senior level executive who began his career at Motown Records and rose quickly to become SVP of A&R and GM of its jazz label MoJazz. He was recruited by industry icon Jheryl Busby to join his executive team partners David Geffen, Steven Spielberg, and Jeffrey Katzenberg in the expansion of the music division as GM at DreamWorks SKG. Simultaneously producing television specials during his terms at Motown and DreamWorks caught the attention of the Executive Vice President of Programming at BET and Walker began consulting and producing at BET where he also executive produced the first BET Awards Red Carpet special. He was next given the opportunity to develop and produce content for SiTV, the first Urban Latino Cable Network where he successfully launched "The Drop" a Urban/Latino "TRL" type show which combined a talk entertainment format, the mixing of music videos and live performances that resulted in the first ever "Pit Bull" television performance. His desire to pursue an entrepreneurial interest next lead Walker to co-found his own production company, B-Sharp Records and Entertainment where he worked as a producer for a variety of music and television projects with companies to include: BET, NBC, Sony, Universal, Barack Obama presidential campaign and more. In 2016 he returned to his hometown of Washington, D.C. as Associate Director of Television and Entertainment at the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. Under the direction of the Mayor's office, the agency serves as the media platform for government agencies and community awareness. OCTFME has three television networks, which are distributed by Comcast, Verizon and RCN. In just over two years in his current position, he has brought innovative fresh new approach to the television, music and digital content programming, music initiatives, grass roots community outreach and support of the governmental initiatives. He has spearheaded the programming development encompassing 3 networks distributed by Comcast, Verizon and RCN as well as DC Radio. He began in 2016 to expand the programming and has been instrumental its garnering 1 Emmy Award, 2 Emmy Nominations, 13 NATOA Awards, 26 nominations and achieving #1 PEG television network in the country.

Catherine Pino

Job Titles:

Founder & CEO, D & P Creative Strategies, LLC

From working her way through college in her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to optimizing millions of dollars for community impact, to being on the front lines fighting for civil rights and in the halls of Congress, Catherine Pino, Co-founder & CEO of D&P Creative Strategies, is devoted to creating a more prosperous future for communities of color. As the keeper of the creative vision for D&P, and the architect of the firm's philanthropic strategy, Catherine brings her passion for social justice, equity, and philanthropy to the heart of the firm's work. Her track record includes a variety of invaluable experiences: Developing the Familia es Familia campaign to build bridges between the Latino and LGBTQ+ community. Establishing Poder PAC, the first-of-its-kind political action committee dedicated to increasing Latina representation in Congress. Creating Freemind Beauty Productions, dedicated to telling stories about marginalized communities. Catherine's fuels her success with know-how crafted through expertise, and a deep network of partners and collaborators. Whether she is creating initiatives to improve marginalized communities' life opportunities, advising corporate leaders on winning legislative and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, or leveraging resources to advance initiatives that effect social change, Catherine leads with heart and enthusiasm. Her ability to execute exceptional advocacy to exceed clients' goals sets D&P apart from other government affairs professionals. Her long-lasting working relationships and dependable friendships within key communities on Capitol Hill and across the country complement her creative, innovative policy solutions and strategies. Before co-founding D&P, Catherine worked for Carnegie Corporation of New York and DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, where she managed multi-million-dollar portfolios focused on improving life opportunities for young people. She led the Future Leaders Initiative, and served as the Assistant Director of Government Relations for Independent Sector in Washington, DC. Catherine started her career in the Office of Senator Jeff Bingaman, and at the National Council of La Raza (now UnidosUS). She is passionate about giving back to and supporting organizations that empower young Latinx professionals to work and thrive in Washington, DC, and Congress-where she got her start. A proud alumna of the University of New Mexico and New York University, Catherine also studied at the Institute d'Etudes Politiques de Lyon, Harvard University, and the Center for Creative Leadership. Catherine is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the New York State Special Civil Rights Award, UnidosUS Inaugural LGBTQ Leadership Award, Latino GLBT History Project's Latina Leadership Award, National Hispana Leadership Institute Alumna of the Year Award, Hispanic Women's Corporation Leadership Award, Working Mother's Multicultural Women's National Legacy Award, and United States Hispanic Chamber LGBTQ Advocate of the Year Award. In 2014, Latino Magazine recognized her as one of the Top 10 Leaders in the Latino Community, and Latino Leaders named her as one of the Most Influential Leaders in the United States in 2020. Catherine has served as a board member of several organizations, including the Arcus Foundation, Greater Washington Community Foundation, the Victory Institute, Victory Campaign Board, and UndiosUS Action Fund. Catherine loves spending time with her wife and partner, Ingrid, and their dog-child Allegro Pino Duran (also known as Prince Pino). She enjoys cooking, boating, superb wine, and exceptional art. Her chosen motto? Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire!

Cheri Bustos

Job Titles:

Head of Illinois Operations, Mercury Public Affairs

Cheri Bustos was born in Springfield, Illinois, into a family that taught her the importance of hard work, caring for others and public service. After spending nearly two decades in journalism, Cheri worked in communications for one of the nation's largest non-profit nondenominational healthcare systems. In 2012, she ran for Congress and was elected to represent the hardworking families of the 17th Congressional District. A former member of Democratic House Leadership and co-Chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, Cheri has always been a strong voice for middle America and working families. In 2016, she became co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, where she helped lead the development of the House Democrats' For the People agenda. The wildly popular agenda was a central part of House Democrats winning the majority in 2018. After playing a leading role in reclaiming the Speaker's gavel for Democrats, Cheri was elected Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee by her colleagues. There, she broke fundraising records for the organization, successfully protected the House Democratic Majority for the 117th Congress and worked to help secure the Presidency for Joe Biden. In her final term, Cheri served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where she brought home the most funding for local projects of any House Democrat through the Community Project Funding program's inaugural year. In 2022, she again secured significant local investment, delivering funding for every project she had requested support for, bringing the total for the Congress to $122 million. Cheri also served on the House Agriculture Committee for the entirety of her tenure. In her final term, she was named Chair of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, where she toured the nation to hold listening sessions with American farmers and rural communities. The author of a law that was called, "the most significant labor legislation this century", Cheri has a long history of working across the aisle to get things done. Her strong belief in bipartisanship and approach to commonsense legislating has made her a leading voice for moderate Democrats.

Chiling Tong - CEO, President

Job Titles:

CEO
President
Founding President of the International Leadership Foundation
President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship

Chiling Tong is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE). Tong has experience in economic and business development, with a focus on researching and enhancing the growth of small and minority business enterprises competing in the global market. Tong is the Founding President of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) provides public services internship and leadership training for AAPI college students. Tong was also an Ash Center Research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Recently, she was named a member of Maryland Governor Hogan's Anti-AAPI hate crimes workgroup. Tong previously served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of Commerce and was responsible for overseeing the treatment of American campiness by Asia and Pacific countries. In her prior role as Chief of Staff and Associate Director at the Minority Business Development Agency, she helped minority enterprises and small disadvantaged businesses obtain contracts and loans by identifying opportunities. Tong has been a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and has also served on the Board of Directors of the Congressional Awards Board for young leaders. In 2017, Tong received the "advocate of the year award" from the U.S. Department of Commerce and was recognized at the White House. Previously, Tong worked to promote California's economic development, trade, and employment services. She was the Director of California's Office of Trade and Investment in Taipei, Taiwan, and served as Assistant Secretary for International Trade in the California Trade and Commerce Agency. Tong has also worked for the California State Senate Minority Leaders Office as the Chief Asian American Affairs Advisor. She was awarded a Coro Public Affairs Fellowship and the Chairperson of the Los Angeles County Community Action Board. Tong was also a television anchor and reporter for China TV, a Los Angeles-based international television station.

Colin A. Hosten

Job Titles:

Executive Director, Leonard - Litz Foundation
Trustee and Executive Director for the Leonard - Litz Foundation

Colin Hosten is a Trustee and Executive Director for the Leonard-Litz Foundation, which supports partner organizations that are improving the lives of the LGBTQ+ community through life-affirming services, advocacy, and programs for LGBTQ+ people. He is a writer, teacher, and former Councilmember and Chairman of the Board of Education in the City of Norwalk, Connecticut. A former children's book editor, Colin has written or co-authored seven children's books of his own, and currently teaches in the undergraduate writing program at Fairfield University. An MFA graduate of Fairfield University, he studied English Literature at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, before earning his first graduate degree, in Publishing, at NYU. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Triangle Community Center for three years. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Colin now lives in Connecticut with his husband, Joe, and their dog, Bugsy. He enjoys musical theater, brunch, and fighting for full equality for the LGBTQ+ community everywhere.

David Geffen

Job Titles:

Executive Team Partners

David Schiappa

Job Titles:

Officer of the Senate
Partner at the Duberstein Group
Republican Leader

David Schiappa is a Partner at The Duberstein Group where he has been a working since August of 2013. He retired in 2013 from the United States Senate after almost 29 years of service. David served under Republican Leaders Bob Dole, Trent Lott, Bill Frist, and the current Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell. From 2001 until his retirement, Schiappa served as Republican Secretary, and held the titles of Secretary for the Minority and Secretary for the Majority, depending on party control of the Senate. During his tenure in the Senate, Schiappa also served as the Assistant Secretary for the Majority and as the Republican Floor Assistant. Schiappa's role as the Secretary for the Majority (or Minority), was to assist the Republican Leader and all Republican Senators on their legislative agenda. As part of his responsibilities on the Senate floor, Schiappa served as a liaison between the Republican Leader and the Democrat leadership in negotiating agreements on legislative and executive matters. He also provided parliamentary advice and counsel to all Republican Senators regarding floor strategy during consideration of all pending matters on the Senate floor. Schiappa assisted each Republican Leader with their weekly leadership meetings. During those meetings David provided counsel to the entire Republican leadership team on legislative strategy and the status of any negotiations with the Democrat leadership. His role also required a close collaboration with the Chairman and Ranking Member of each committee, as well as their staff directors.

David W. Hunt - Chief Legal Officer

Job Titles:

Legal Counsel

Dean Crowell

Dean Crowell began his legal career at the International City/County Management Association, where he assisted in the preparation of amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court in numerous cases involving constitutional federalism. He received his B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied urban policy, and his J.D. cum laude from American University. Dean Crowell is a 1987 recipient of the bronze Congressional Award."

Diana Leon Brown

Job Titles:

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Office of the County Executive

Diane Dewhirst

Job Titles:

Leader

Diane Dewhirst is an experienced leader in national legislative, policy, and political arenas. She currently serves as a consultant to the U.S. Secretary of Education advising on priorities and key policy implementation. In 2021, she was appointed by President Biden as Senior Deputy Chair at the National Endowment for the Arts. Ms. Dewhirst served in the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi for more than 15 years, including as deputy chief of staff, where she managed a portfolio that included women's economic agenda and intergovernmental affairs and served as liaison to the Democratic Women's Caucus. She represented Speaker Pelosi and the House of Representatives with national cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Library of Congress, and the National Archives, and managed major events including inaugurations and conventions. Prior to her work in the House of Representatives, Dewhirst worked in a variety of positions in the Clinton/Gore Administration including at the White House for then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. She also served as an independent consultant for organizations including the Smithsonian Institution, Children's Defense Fund, Center for Budget Policy and Priorities, and the Alliance for Justice. Dewhirst began her Capitol Hill career with Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell (D-ME), where she served as communications director and national spokesperson. Dewhirst is a long-time resident of Capitol Hill in DC where she and her husband, Bob Hickmott, raised three children.

Dr. Brian K. Johnson - CEO, President

Job Titles:

Administrator
CEO
President
Senior Fellow in the Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama

Dr. Brian K. Johnson is a seasoned educational administrator and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience as a leader in higher education, college president, professor, consultant, and business owner. He has successfully launched initiatives to strengthen academic institutions and workforce training totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Dr. Johnson is passionate about providing educational access to hard-to-reach populations and individuals interested in career pathways. Chief Workforce Officer for AspireAbility, a data-driven talent management firm, Johnson is a Senior Fellow in the Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama; board member, Congressional Award Foundation, Home Builders Institute, and The Phoenix Theatre Company. In 2021, Johnson co-founded the Institute of Fashion and serves as board secretary. Dr. Brian K. Johnson was the first African American president of Montgomery College in Maryland. Prior to Montgomery College, he was president of the Allegheny Campus of the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This followed 15 years of executive leadership at Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix, Arizona. Johnson has completed numerous executive leadership programs including Harvard University's New President's Academy, Harvard's Institute for the Management of Lifelong Learning, the League for Innovation's Executive Leadership Institute, the Pennsylvania Educational Policy Fellowship Program, Leadership Pittsburgh, and Leadership Montgomery. Johnson earned his Ed.D. in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University (NAU), an M.A. Ed in counseling/human relations from NAU, and a BA in psychology from Ottawa University. He is a Lifetime Member of the NAACP, a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Phoenix, and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity ("the Boule").

EDWARD BLANSITT, III - Treasurer

Job Titles:

TREASURER

Edward Cohen

Job Titles:

Principal

Eric Fernandez

Job Titles:

SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER ( South Region )

Eric comes to Washington D.C. with a backpack full of dreams and a canteen full of coffee. Originally from Northern Nevada, Eric spent the last couple of years serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cambodia.

Erica Wheelan Heyse

Job Titles:

NATIONAL DIRECTOR

FRANCESCA D'AMBROSI

Job Titles:

WEST PROGRAM MANAGER

George Coelho

Job Titles:

Co - Founder & Managing Partner of Astanor Ventures
Co - Founder & Partner / Astanor Ventures

George Coelho is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Astanor Ventures, a venture capital firm that seeks to partner with ambitious founders of technology enabled companies across the agri-food value chain. He was previously Head of Venture Capital of Good Energies (clean energy), board member of Aventron (micro-hydro energy firm), and co-founder of Benchmark Capital Europe. Prior to that, he spent 9 years at Intel Corporation. George is a current board member of Human Rights Watch, a lifetime fellow of the RSA and was previously a Trustee of George Washington University and Chair of the GW Sustainability Collaborative.

Gregg Harper

Job Titles:

Member of the Law Firm of Watkins & Eager

First elected to Congress in 2009, Gregg served five terms representing Mississippi's 3 rd Congressional District. During his time in Congress, he served as a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce which has jurisdiction over a broad swath of the economy including healthcare, energy, transportation, and telecommunications. On the Energy and Commerce Committee, Gregg served as Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee and Vice Chairman of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection subcommittee. In addition, Gregg was selected by Speaker Paul Ryan to serve as the Chairman of the Committee on House Administration for the 115 th Congress where he was instrumental in reforming the ways that Congress handles sexual harassment allegations. He was also the Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress and served two terms on the Committee on Ethics. Prior to being elected to Congress, Gregg practiced law for twenty-seven years, including serving as the prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland, Mississippi. He served on the Mississippi Oil and Gas Board, remained active in his community as a member of both the Pearl and Rankin County Chambers of Commerce, and served as the board attorney for the Mississippi Baptist Children's Village. Gregg is currently a member of the law firm of Watkins & Eager in Jackson, Mississippi, where he focuses on government relations on the local, state and federal levels. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Stennis Center for Public Service, which is a federal, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to promote public service and strengthen the highest ideals of public service in America. Gregg is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Mississippi College, his alma mater. He currently resides in Pearl, Mississippi with his wife, Sidney. They have a son, Livingston, a daughter and son in law, Maggie and Brett Bailey, and two grandsons, Lee and Calvin.

HON. RODNEY SLATER

Job Titles:

VICE CHAIRMAN
Secretary Rodney Slater

Ingrid Duran

Job Titles:

CEO & Co - Founder, D & P Creative Strategies, LLC

A former Marine, forever Chicana, and loyal Boyle Heights native, Ingrid Duran appreciates the importance of representation and having a seat at the table. As CEO & Co-founder of D&P Creative Strategies, Ingrid puts her passions into action, fighting on behalf of clients and causes that make a difference for communities of color. Ingrid curates the firm's leadership and strategy with poise and precision, aligning D&P's compassionate mission with meaningful political impact. A skilled advocate for both the public and private sectors, she builds on her experience to yield solutions that move the needle in modern and innovative ways. Through the Familia es Familia advocacy campaign, Ingrid played a significant role in changing the narrative around gay marriage, building broad coalition support, and ultimately contributing to the landmark Supreme Court case granting equal marriage rights for all. She's no novice to change-making. Before co-founding D&P, Ingrid was President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials' D.C. office. After serving our country in the Marine Corps, Ingrid further dedicated her career to public service in Congress. She worked under the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, on the House Banking Committee under the leadership of then-Chairman Henry B. Gonzalez, and as Legislative Assistant for former Representative Gene Green. Her efforts as a dynamic, steadfast leader and advocate for the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities have garnered her national accolades and numerous honors, including: The Premio Dignidad Award from LLEGO; Recognition as the Nation's 100 most influential and powerful Hispanics for HISPANIC and PODER magazines; Latina of Excellence acknowledgement by HISPANIC magazine; Hispanic Women's Corporation and The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 2012 Leadership Award; Latino Magazine 2013 Power Players recognition; Working Mother Magazine's Legacy Award; and Hispanic VIP's Premio a la Excelencia for her work in the Hispanic community. In 2014, Latino Magazine recognized her as one of the Top 10 leaders in the Latino community, and People en Español named her one of the 25 Most Powerful Latinas in the country. Ingrid has also been named one of The Hill's top lobbyists in Washington, DC each year since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Park University and a certificate from Harvard Business School's Executive Program and Harvard JFK School of Government's Executive Program. Ingrid spends her spare time boating, painting, and spending time with her wife and partner, Catherine, and their dog-child Allegro Pino Duran (also known as Prince Pino) at their home in Maryland.

Jade Shields

Job Titles:

Vice President, Government Affairs, Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Jade Shields leads the Government Affairs team in the U.S. on behalf of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc (Ferring), and is a member of the U.S. Executive Leadership Team. Ferring is a privately-owned, biopharma company that focuses on developing life-changing innovations that help people live better lives. He drives strategy and execution of Federal and state government affairs, issue advocacy, and public policy engagement, focusing on increasing access and health equity to Ferring's portfolio of products through government relations and advocacy work. Prior to his appointment to Vice President, Government Affairs, Jade held various roles at Ferring in the U.S. and globally spanning ethics and compliance; human resources; and privacy. Jade joined Ferring in 2010. Most recently, he oversaw the Corporate Values Office, headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, where he was responsible for the Ethics, Environmental Social Governance (ESG), and Diversity & Inclusion departments in support of Ferring's mission to improve lives and build families. He has supported the C-suite and Board of Directors by developing robust strategy combined with tactical considerations to inspire, build trust, and achieve record growth. Jade has more than 20 years of experience working in the pharmaceuticals industry in the U.S. and globally in Europe, South America, and the Middle East. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Communications from Clark Atlanta University as well as certifications in leadership from the INSEAD International Business School; health care compliance from Seton Hall Law School; and finance from Wharton Executive Education.