Christianna Lewis Barnhart

Strategic Corporate and Government Affairs Executive | Expert in Telecom, Emerging Tech & Public Policy | Ex Senate & FCC

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

About

Respected government affairs leader with 15+ years of experience shaping policy, driving impactful advocacy, and engaging in successful collaboration at Fortune 100 companies, federal agencies, trade associations, and Capitol Hill. Proven ability to cultivate high-performing teams, align talent with organizational goals, and navigate complex legislative and regulatory landscapes.

Experience

  • Senior Vice President, Government Affairs at Optimum
    Apr 2026 - Present · 4 mos

  • Founder and Principal at Boulder Bridge Strategies
    Sep 2025 - Apr 2026 · 8 mos

    • Policy advisor and government affairs consultant for technology and telecommunications organizations. • Develop high-impact legislative and regulatory strategies and provide expert strategic counsel to organizations navigating complex regulatory environments in Congress, the White House, and regulatory agencies.

  • Senior Vice President, Government Affairs at Entertainment Software Association
    Sep 2023 - May 2025 · 1 yr 9 mos

    Led and managed ESA’s eight-member federal and state government affairs team, advancing the organization’s regulatory and legislative goals through advocacy and coalition building. Monitored and analyzed legislative and regulatory developments, and implemented advocacy plans to advance members’ interests and address potential challenges. Selected Achievements: • Provided strategic counsel and successfully sought changes to pending legislation on artificial intelligence, internet regulation, data privacy, and children’s online safety. • Designed and executed third-party strategies to elevate ESA’s profile and advocacy. • Developed and grew ESA’s political action committee. • Created team performance standards and revamped the department’s budget.

  • United States Senate (4 yrs 2 mos)
    • Senior Counsel, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
      Oct 2021 - Aug 2023 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Chief policy advisor to the chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on technology and telecommunications issues. Directed policy and provided strategic advice on broadband infrastructure, global telecommunications and technology policy trends, artificial intelligence, and privacy. Selected Achievements: • Directed hearings and markups, and confirmed presidential appointments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and Corporation for Public Broadcasting. • Presented solutions to senior leaders on telecommunications and technology issues to build support for proposed policies and pass legislation. • Effectively represented the caucus' interests during appropriations negotiations and in landmark funding legislation.

    • Senior Communications and Technology Policy Counsel, Office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz
      Jul 2019 - Oct 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      Led the senator’s technology and telecommunications portfolio as a senior policy advisor on the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. Selected Achievements: • Spearheaded a $120 million submarine cable infrastructure project (Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link) to improve U.S. national security and improve connectivity in the State of Hawaii. • Successfully passed bipartisan legislation on wireless emergency alerting and universal service benefits for survivors of domestic violence.

  • Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Charter Communications
    Jul 2014 - Jul 2019 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    Represented and advocated for Charter’s interests at regulatory agencies, industry trade groups, and public interest organizations to advance the company’s policy goals. Selected Achievements: • Successfully advocated for improved federal permitting regulations to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment. • Effectively led coalition efforts to support the FCC's adoption of new broadband mapping technologies. • Managed key stakeholders, including outside counsel, internal business units, and consultants, to achieve DOJ and FCC approval of the $67 billion merger of Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks.