Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Benjamin Williams is the Director of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Office of External Affairs under Chairman Laura Swett. In this key senior staff leadership role, Benjamin manages the FERC’s public relations and communication strategies, covering the United States Congress (including nominations); federal, state, local and foreign governments, plus Sovereign Tribal Nation Governments; the news media; consumer groups; trade associations; regulated industries; and the public. As a communications and public relations professional for over 15 years, Benjamin is highly skilled in organizing coalitions, crisis communications, policy analysis, and strategic social media planning and execution. Additionally, Benjamin has led several successful efforts for Presidential Executive Branch Nominations through the United States Senate Confirmation process. He has served with distinguished FERC leaders including Chairman David Rosner, Chairman Mark Christie, Chairman Willie L. Phillips, Chairman Rich Glick, Chairman Norman C. Bay, Commissioner Collette Honorable, and Commissioner John Norris. Before joining FERC, Benjamin worked for his home state United States Senator, Tom Harkin (Iowa). Benjamin graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a Master of Science in Communications focusing on Public Relations. While there, he was recognized by faculty with the award for outstanding achievement in public relations. Benjamin has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Simpson College. Benjamin and his husband, Brent, reside in Washington, D.C. with their Sheepadoodle dog, Brew.
Strategically plan, execute, and follow through on all domestic and foreign travel for the Chairman, the Chief of Staff, and three advisers Complete all employee travel reimbursements in timely manner with meticulous attention to detail for absolute accuracy Create organized and detailed memos, correspondence, biographical information of principles, and all travel logistics for the Chairman’s briefing book for all external engagements Supervise, assign, and review one additional employee who assists the Chairman Initiate, maintain, and protect confidential human resources information of all office employees Manage an annual office budget Distill complex regulatory processes into accessible public information campaigns on pipeline certification processes, methods for public participation, and the nuances of Commission jurisdiction to assuage public concerns, increase public involvement, and address policymaker criticism
Assisted with all scheduling of meetings with Congress, Commission staff, industry groups, and the public Communicated with industry executives, experts, and associations to gather relevant background information in preparation for the Commissioner’s meetings and industry events Organized and compiled travel logistics and briefing materials for the Commissioner and staff Received and processed press inquiries and interview requests Briefed the Commissioner daily on energy news, current industry developments, via research and investigating information and materials that assist in formulating Commission policies Reviewed and advised the Commissioner regarding draft press statements, articles, and official communications Represented the Commissioner to members of the press in all circumstances Represented the Commissioner at high-level meetings and communicate the Commissioner’s views and directives
Represented the Senator, scheduled, hosted, and attended regular community meetings with county leaders, constituent groups, and individual constituents. Presented complex legislation and the effects in laymen’s terms while conveying the intended message. Managed telecommunications, constituent visits, incoming and outgoing mail, compiled local press articles for press secretary, and briefed office colleagues on local press developments in their specific casework and outreach areas. Office czar for breaking news and developing stories throughout the day, reported information to press and management teams as needed. Contacted media outlets to inform them of local events. Captured and created content to post on the Senator’s social media platforms and trained staff on how technology can support outreach efforts and enhance constituent services. Researched constituent issues and created official correspondence on behalf of the Senator. Communicated frequently with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection. Created and organized detailed memos, letters, biographical information of principles, and travel logistics for the Senator’s briefing book for each visit in the state. Drove, advanced, and staffed the Senator. Provided essential support to lead State, Personal, and Committee staff members at events in Iowa. Organized state staff travel logistics and scheduled the Mobile Office to all of Iowa’s 99 counties, contacted local press, maintained numerous confidential office databases and logs of the Senator’s personal correspondence. Assisted with the archiving of official US Senate documents for historical purposes. Managed statewide office supply needs and maintained official time/attendance reports.
Planned, coordinated, and executed 5,000-10,000+ person annual fundraiser event. Managed 100-250+ volunteers, 20+ staff, 20+ event vendors. Directed and choreographed principle guests including: Vice President Biden and staff, various members of the US Senate & US House, Governors, Mayors, and their staffs. Coordinated security efforts with US Secret Service & local law enforcement. Briefed, coordinated, and staffed the Senator for a 13 county media tour; including newspaper, radio, and TV News.
processed, scanned, organized, and secured confidential home loan documents.