JAMES JOSEPH ZAWACKI 301 Chestnut Street, Apt. 609 Harrisburg, PA 17101 717-233-2016 jjz1959@verizon.net www.resumespotlight.com/jzawacki ============================= PUBLIC / GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ============================= Government Relations ~ Political Process ~ Public Policy Research ~ Lobbying * Experienced government relations professional with solid understanding and intellectual strength regarding public policy and strategy. 16+ years in Harrisburg; 7 years in State legislature; 9 years in Association Leadership and Government Affairs. Demonstrated track record of strong advocacy and communication skills. Drive specific policy objectives pertinent to identified constituency. * Lead identification, development and execution of legislative regulatory and public policy positions, strategies and communication materials. Produce communication vehicles that clearly articulate position and priorities, e.g., legislative testimony, speeches, position papers, press releases, website language and outreach materials. * Draw on extensive knowledge and relationships to identify and analyze issues and develop appropriate responses. Possess sophisticated strategic thinking skills that aid in determining how best to influence decision/policy makers. Readily establish rapport with individuals at all professional levels and from diverse backgrounds. High level of confidence, integrity and enthusiasm. * Computer proficiency includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access; Outlook); Internet research and email communication. Areas of expertise include the following: * Lobbying Strategies * Tactical/Strategic Communications * Federal, State and Local Issues * Public Policy Analysis * Project Management * PAC Administration/Fundraising * Strategic Planning * Media Relations * Team Leadership * Proofreading/Editing * Small Business Issues * Collaboration/Partnering * Public Relations * Membership Activation * Political Processes * Grass Roots Promotions * Municipalities Planning Code * Government Affairs * Local Taxation * Local Government Funding * Testimony Presentations * Liability/Loss Control * Comprehensive Problem Solver * Non-profit Organizations ========================== PUBLIC ADVOCACY EXPERIENCE ========================== PA Business Council – Harrisburg, PA 2011 – 2012 ISSUE MANAGER Conduct extensive research, track, and analyze legislation and regulations affecting the business community with specialization in public policy, elections and grassroots advocacy. * Demonstrate commitment to supporting the goal in which residents of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enjoy a high quality of life in sustainable communities, where those seeking employment find high quality jobs with good compensation, and where those who invest their capital and hard work can grow firms that flourish and are profitable. * Write and publish policy / issue newsletters for membership keeping all members informed of developments, strategies and solutions that make the commonwealth more competitive. * Lobby State legislature on legislation affecting the business community and supporting the election of candidates for office who offer the best capacity to create and sustain a better Pennsylvania. PA Association of Community Bankers (PACB) – Harrisburg, PA 1997 SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CEO Performed diverse non-profit association management tasks and special projects in 7-month assignment, e.g., government affairs, products and services development, and educational foundation activities. * Researched, identified and evaluated new products and services to market to member financial institutions, thereby increasing value of PACB membership by providing educational and historical materials for members’ use in illustrating and promoting role of “community” bankers. * Increased efficiency and effectiveness of association and staff resources. Developed and implemented historical archive for PACB’s Educational Foundation. National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) – Harrisburg, PA 1989 – 1996 ASSISTANT STATE DIRECTOR Lobbied state legislators and staff on broad variety of business-related issues such as health care reform, workers’ compensation reform, unemployment compensation, product liability and tort reform, labor relations, government taxation and spending, local government issues, etc. * Secured passage of landmark workers’ compensation reform legislation resulting in reduced workers compensation costs for small businesses. Defeated costly and burdensome national health insurance mandate, which would have cost small business millions of dollars in direct and indirect costs. * Successfully lobbied for passage of Local Government Prompt Pay Bill. * Built NFIB/PA’s reputation as effective representative of small business and achieved statewide press and media coverage. Provided small business owners and state representatives with valuable press coverage in local media markets. Participated in development and implementation of strategic plan for State Advisory Council. * Enhanced effectiveness of NFIB/PA’s state government relations program by having small business owners testify before legislative meetings and public hearings. Developed and presented testimony with volunteer NFIB members. * Developed and implemented various member involvement programs, including biennial legislative awards program involving 100+ state legislators and 200+ NFIB/PA members. Scheduled, organized and conducted 12–14 local legislative issue meetings per year throughout the Commonwealth. * Successfully provided NFIB/PA members with opportunity to meet and interact with elected state representatives in members’ own communities, developing closer working relationship between small business owners and elected representatives. Administered Political Action Committee (PAC) including fundraising, analysis of political races and assisting in getting NFIB/PA members elected to state legislature. * Raised $12,000–$14,000 in each of three two-year election cycles and influenced election of several pro-small-business candidates to State Senate and State House of Representatives. PA General Assembly, House of Representatives, House Local Gov’t Committee – Harrisburg, PA 1987 – 1989 SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST, Democratic Caucus Committee Staff Researched and analyzed all legislation assigned to House Local Government Committee. Prepared bill analysis sheets for use in committee and caucus meetings so committee members were always familiar with specific bills and resolutions at committee meetings. Developed and maintained comprehensive catalog of local government-related bills and resolutions and developed working knowledge of local government statutes and regulations to answer questions from legislators and staff. ================ OTHER EMPLOYMENT ================ CORRECTIONAL PRE-PACKER, Diamond Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. – Indiana, PA 2008 – 2011 Accurately filled prescriptions for prison inmate populations by operating and maintaining machines for counting and packaging medications in bubble cards and vials. Stocked and maintained medication inventory. Performed various routine tasks to keep vial machine area clean and operating efficiently. CLERK 1, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board – Mercer County, PA 2002 – 2006 Courteously served customers in retail establishments owned and operated by an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Accurately handled cash and credit card transaction. Checked identification of young adults and enter information into POS register. DIRECT MARKETING SPECIALIST, New Logic International, Inc. – Emeryville, CA and Pittsburgh, PA 2000 – 2001 Developed and implemented direct marketing program to increase market awareness of proprietary water treatment technology. Initiated, developed and maintained relationships with end users, OEMs and distributors. RETAIL SALES ASSOCIATE, Kaufmann’s Department Store – Hermitage, PA 1999 – 2002 Delivered first-class customer service by listening to customers’ needs and directed to appropriate products. ==================== EDUCATION / MILITARY ==================== Certificate of Completion, Association Management (IOM), 1994 Institute for Organization Management – Newark, DE Master of Public Administration (MPA), 1984 Pennsylvania State University Capital College, Graduate School of Public Administration – Middletown, PA Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Thiel College – Greenville, PA, 1982 Internship in Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Honorable Discharge, 1984