Providence College

American University

Director, Public Affairs & State & Local Government Relations

I rose through numerous promotions based on my ability to revitalize public and government affairs operations, to create strategies and programs for competitive advantage, and to lead teams. My role was to administrate a $3M+ budget and to steer legislative/regulatory issues including health care, labor and employment benefits, pharmacy, taxation, agriculture, environmental policy, trade, real estate, and economic development, merchandising, compliance, financial services, alcohol, tobacco, licensing, logistics, etc. at the local, state, and national levels.

➤ PUBLIC POLICY IMPACT

☑ Advocated successfully for reform of pricing, alcohol licensing, and blue laws; defeated legislation poised to negatively impacted the company’s labor policies.

☑ Created a lean, agile, and economical organization during extreme downsizing. 

☑ Garnered extensive media coverage and expanded research outputs to enhance organizational reputation.

☑ Empowered Government Affairs community with high-impact communication tools/messages, inspiring teams to deliver beyond perceived potential. 

☑ Served on 18 Boards of Directors and the Legislative Committees of retail, food, and business associations.

☑ Pursued one-on-one lobbying, gave interviews, and provided written and oral testimony.

☑ Collaborated across all markets (North, Central, and South America; Europe; and Asia).

➤ STATE/LOCAL AFFAIRS & PROGRAMS

☑ Developed first Walmart Supplier Summit linking MA-based companies with company’s local operations.

☑ Oversaw budget planning/execution of company’s political contributions (PAC and corporate dollars) for 12-state region.

☑ Orchestrated charitable check presentation ceremonies, political fundraisers/events (US Manufacturing, Opioids, Veterans Hiring), and distribution center and store tours for legislators and executives.

☑ Created New England Customer Action Network (CAN), company’s first New England-wide customer grassroots program, with a growing membership of 60,000+.

Walmart Stores, Inc.

As a federal lobbyist, my goal was to positively impact labor, benefits, healthcare, and regulatory reforms. This involved extensive relationship building with members of Congressional offices and Federal agencies. 

➡️ SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

☑ Wrote articles for numerous periodicals and Congressional correspondence and delivered presentations on relevant issues to influence favorable legislative decisions as well as company adaptation to new regulations.

☑ Chaired the company’s in-house communication team and led the workplace safety committee.

Chris Buchanan