Washingtonian names 6 CT residents to annual ‘most influential’ policy shapers list
CT Mirror
The U.S. Capitol dome.
Washingtonian magazine has named six Connecticut residents to its annual “Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People” list, which highlights leading experts and advocates shaping policy and decision-making in the nation’s capital.
The list focuses on individuals outside of government, including business leaders, legal experts, and nonprofit executives who play major roles in Washington’s policy debates.
“With a new administration now in place, these power players’ expertise and strategic insight are especially crucial as they navigate shifting priorities and relationships across the capital,” said Catherine Merrill, president and CEO of Washingtonian, in a note to readers.
Washingtonian selected the honorees based on a review that emphasized “individuals with deep subject-matter expertise who understand how to effectively drive action in Washington, those who grasp the nuances and complexities of specific policy areas, and experts in fields we believe will be particularly significant to the current slate of elected officials,” according to the magazine.
Below are the Connecticut based honorees:
Candida Wolff, executive vice president and head of global government affairs, Citigroup
Wolff, whose hometown is Canaan, directs Citigroup’s global government affairs, shaping the financial giant’s positions on cybersecurity, digital transformation and trade. With deep expertise in corporate tax policy, she is a key figure in the bank’s engagement with regulatory and legislative issues in Washington, according to Washingtonian magazine.
Wayne Chopus, president and CEO, Insured Retirement Institute
Chopus, of Southington, leads the national trade association for the retirement income industry, representing insurers and asset managers. He has played a pivotal role in challenging federal regulations perceived as restricting consumer choice in retirement products, and his advocacy has led to significant legal victories for the industry, according to Washingtonian magazine.
Allen Thompson, vice president, U.S.-Canada government relations, Intel
Thompson, who lives in East Lyme, oversees government relations for Intel in the U.S. and Canada, playing a central role in public-private partnerships and major semiconductor investments. He recently showcased Intel’s $28 billion Ohio manufacturing expansion.
Karen Wayland, CEO, GridWise Alliance
Wayland, of Lebanon, leads the GridWise Alliance, a coalition focused on modernizing America’s electric grid. She is recognized for her expertise in grid resilience, infrastructure investment and the integration of clean-energy technologies. She regularly advises on the implementation of landmark federal infrastructure legislation, according to Washingtonian magazine.
Julie Peller, founder and CEO, Peller Strategies
Peller, of Glastonbury, is an education policy strategist who advises clients on bridging gaps between higher education, workforce needs and systemic barriers. Her work focuses on creating opportunities for modern learners by aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands, according to Washingtonian magazine.
Liz Hempowicz, deputy executive director, American Overnight
Hempowicz, of Bridgeport, helps direct the nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog operation’s mission of advancing accountability and transparency in government through its use of open-records requests and litigation to obtain and publish government documents, according to Washingtonian magazine.
Al Guida, president and CEO of Guide Consulting Services
Guida, of New Haven, has spearheaded advances in the mental-health field, including the securing of funding parity with physical health, enhanced coverage for community behavioral health and commission of the National Academies study that catalyzed creation of the Child Tax Credit, according to Washingtonian magazine.
Washingtonian’s list does not include the hometowns of all honorees, so there may be other Connecticut residents on it.
The honorees also include Elizabeth Murphy, vice president of federal policy and partnerships at Sandy Hook Promise. Although she lives in Washington, her organization is based in Newtown.
Sandy Hook Promise was formed in the wake of the 2012 mass school shooting and advocates for policies around school safety, gun control and protection orders that allow for the temporary removal of firearms from people deemed to be a threat, according to Washingtonian magazine.
Click here to see the full list.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments