Quinn Louise Cheney

St. Paul, Minnesota 55116

qcfe63d6@westpost.net
(651) 472-3534

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
* More than 15 years of professional experience in Government Relations and Publ
ic Affairs at the State, Federal and International levels
* Expert in development of policy, legislative and grassroots advocacy, and mark
eting strategies
* Proven high-level negotiation skills
* Skilled in communicating effectively, and in building and maintaining good rel
ationships with government officials and stakeholders
* Fluent French speaker, with working knowledge of Spanish

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Board of Animal Health

Director of Policy Development (2005-Present), St. Paul, Minnesota
* Supervise all government relations and lobby on behalf of two state agencies
* Manage development of $40 million annual budget, and advocate it to legislator
s and stakeholders
* Communicate regularly with legislators, other government officials, and stakeh
older groups through presentations, testimony, and public meetings
* Design, execute and advocate the executive branch policies on agriculture, ani
mal health, food, bioenergy, rural economic development and many other issues
* Develop and implement legislative and public relations strategy
* Participate as member of senior management decision-making team
* Write internal and external reports, newsletters and other promotional materia
ls.
* Serve on multiple state and national boards and councils
Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty, St. Paul, Minnesota
Senior Policy Advisor for Legislative and Cabinet Affairs (2004-2005)
* Advised Governor on issues related to Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Local Gov
ernment, Transportation, and Water Management
* Managed daily affairs of four cabinet-level state agencies, including overseei
ng commissioners' activities, and supervising legislative and non-legislative po
licy development, and external communications
* Designed and advocated Governor's policy and budget initiatives, working with
a government officials and interest groups
* Collaborated with leadership team on development of strategic plans for annual
legislative sessions
* Negotiated 2005 international agreement U.S. and Canadian officials on controv
ersial water issue
* Effectively managed relationships with the political party, congressional dele
gation, legislators, the business community, interest groups, and multiple board
s and commissions
* Wrote letters, briefings, talking points, and memos for Governor
Canadian Consulate General, St. Paul, Minnesota
Political and Economic Relations Officer (1998-2004)
* Served as advisor for the Government of Canada on U.S. politics, policies and
regulations affecting eight states (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebra
ska, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana)
* Researched, analyzed and reported on political and economic developments and r
egional attitudes that affected the bilateral U.S.-Canadian relationship and pro
vided regular briefings to senior Canadian officials
* Worked on key issue areas, including healthcare, homeland security, energy, tr
ade, and the environment
* Developed and lobbied to encourage support for Canadian positions on federal a
nd state legislative proposals
* Created and managed department budget
* Planned and executed public relations campaigns
* Developed communications materials and responded to media inquiries
* Organized advocacy events, such as receptions, luncheon speakers and conferenc
es
* Actively involved in regional organizations such as Western Governors Associat
ion and the Councils of State Governments
The Williams Companies, Inc., Washington, D.C., a Fortune 200 energy company
Government Affairs Manager (1996-1998)
* Developed and lobbied public officials regarding company policy on federal and
state legislation and regulations
* Collaborated on development and implementation of public relations strategy an
d grassroots marketing efforts to promote corporate reputation
* Counseled and advised corporate leaders on congressional and regulatory activi
ties
* Managed collection and disbursement of PAC funds and wrote quarterly PAC newsl
etter
* Coordinated successful campaign to increase contributions to corporate Politic
al Action Committee (PAC)
* Represented company at business associations, such as Association of Oil Pipel
ines, Interstate National Gas Association, and others
United States Senate, Washington, D.C.
Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Assistant (1992-1996)
* Developed and advocated public policy positions on federal budget and appropri
ations state and federal legislation, and local issues.
* Drafted and negotiated passage of congressional bills and amendments; wrote co
ngressional testimony, briefings, editorial columns, and constituent corresponde
nce.
o U.S. Senator Larry Pressler (SD), Legislative Assistant (1994-1996) - Advised
Senator on matters related to Tourism, Energy, Environment, and Native American
issues.
o U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger (MN), Legislative Assistant and Legislative Corr
espondent (1992-1994) - Advised on matters pertaining to Tourism, Energy, Enviro
nment, Transportation, and Natural Resources and served as staff for Environment
and Public Works Committee.
EDUCATION

* St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN

o Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double major in Political Science and Frenc
h
o Extensive study and travel abroad to France, Germany, Spain and Australia - in
cluding internships with the French Assemblee Nationale and Senat; and with a re
gional French newspaper
* Springfield High School, Springfield, Illinois
* Broadmeadow High School, Newcastle, Australia

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

* Abraham Lincoln's Law Offices and Illinois Old State Capitol Historic Sites -
Volunteer Tour Guide
* John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts - Hostess and greeter at Rooftop Te
rrace and special events such as charity galas and President Clinton's Inaugural
ball
* Pharmaciens sans Frontieres Comite Internationale - Volunteer for efforts base
d out of Chalon-sur-Saone, France to provide pharmaceuticals to then-emerging ea
st European nations in need
* House of Hope Presbyterian Church - Elder on church session, Chair of Children
and Family Services Committee, Nominating Committee member, frequent volunteer
* Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky - Director of application review panel for T
errill Scholarship Fund; volunteer for annual Brain Ball, golf tournaments and
helmet donation activities
* Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network - Volunteer for annual fundraising walk a
nd other activities
* L'Etoile du Nord French Immersion School - Volunteer for school events and fun
draising activities
* Local Politics and Political Campaigns - Advisor and volunteer for numerous po
litical campaigns