WILLIAM BRAND BATES
2900 W. 53rd St. #211 Cell: 816-868-0297
Fairway, Kansas 66205 Email:
CAREER PROFILE
Executive, public affairs & communications strategist and attorney with unique experience gained leading public affairs for an investment management firm, a Fortune 500 consumer products company and as an independent consultant. A dynamic leader possessing excellent written and oral communication skills. Delivers results in staff or line management roles through strong analytic planning, creative execution and skilled people and team management.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
BATES PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONSULTING, LLC, Kansas City, MO 2009 – 2013
Consulting firm specializing in public affairs strategy, government relations assistance, communications support and legal/regulatory compliance. Representative engagements include:
· For a technology-based education solutions firm, researched and explained regulatory requirements and public policy environment for 23 allied health care professions. Delivered strategies for revenue growth, compliance regimens and public affairs. Produced 50-state legal summary of nursing education laws critical to a strategic initiative.
· Developed and executed successful legislative strategy for MO statute that sanctions a regional zoological taxation district and allows the Kansas City Zoo to broaden its financial foundation.
· Counseled a tech-driven enterprise content management firm on new laws and incentives supporting electronic health records; proposed public affairs strategies to support industry positioning and surveyed federal stimulus opportunities.
· Delivered local communications support to advance grassroots engagement on health care reform for a national health insurance plan association.
· Scripted and voiced telephone messaging system for a mobile technology firm.
AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENTS, Kansas City, MO 1995 – 2008
Privately-held investment management firm with $115 billion in assets under management, 75 investment strategies and 1300 employees.
Vice President, Public Affairs (1998-2008)
Led Government Affairs, Corporate Communications and Community Investments (philanthropy & volunteerism) and delivered staff and communications support to CEO.
· Staffed and served on Operating Committee responsible for budgeting, strategic planning and performance benchmarking to help achieve company goals and meet Board of Director expectations.
· Led company lobbying and facilitated industry association support for 2006, 2003 and 2001 federal tax bills that improved investment vehicles; helped clients achieve investment goals; supported company product planning and increased managed assets.
· Secured opportunity and prepared executives for congressional testimony on market structure reforms that reduced securities transaction costs and created trading efficiencies thereby increasing client return on investment and building company competitive advantage.
· Authored articles for print and web publications (two received external recognition), and recorded Washington Watch (quarterly web editorial) for pod cast distribution to inform employees and clients about current public policy topics.
· Supported Sales team with client presentations on legislative & political topics.
· Chaired cross-functional executive task force and led 50th Anniversary commemoration, including planning and construction of $2 million “Story Gallery” showcasing company history and culture for existing and potential clients.
· Managed political, civic, trade association and philanthropic relationships that supported company’s corporate citizenship and brand.
Director, Government Affairs (1995-1998)
Inaugurated and built federal/state/local government affairs department responsible for influencing public policies important to investor and company interests. Represented company before legislatures and managed industry relations. Served as company political officer - developing company positions, responding to political inquiries and reporting on activities to Board of Directors and regulatory authorities.
· Built industry coalition, developed legislative strategy and led lobbying for income tax changes that produce annual savings of more than $5 million.
· Won company support for legislation sanctioning a Section 529 education savings program; negotiated bill language with State Treasurer and secured bill passage. Supported company’s winning bid to become Program Manager, resulting in $3 billion of new assets under management.
· Established and managed federal political action committee annually raising and contributing more than $30,000 to support bipartisan political relationships vital to an influential legislative affairs program.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
HALLMARK CARDS, INC. – Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, MO
Privately-held, $4 billion, 20,000 employee consumer products company.
National Affairs Director, Washington, D.C.
Advanced Hallmark’s federal legislative, regulatory and public affairs interests in tax, health care, environmental, human resources, telecommunication, international trade and postal policy.
Project Manager, Corporate Development, Kansas City, MO
Facilitated corporate acquisitions, strategic partnerships and financial investments.
LATHROP KOONTZ & NORQUIST, Kansas City, MO
Associate Attorney in a leading, 300-attorney general civil practice law firm advancing client interests through litigation and corporate legal work.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
J.D., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
B.B.A., (Magna Cum Laude) Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
B.A., Psychology, (Magna Cum Laude) Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Rockhurst College, Kansas City, MO, 18 hours credited toward M.B.A.
FastTrac NewVenture Entrepreneur Program, Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City, MO
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
· Member, Federal, MO, KS & KCMO public affairs committees of Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; Chairman, Federal Affairs Committee
· Board of Directors, Hawthorn Foundation (private support for MO economic development)
· Member, Missouri Bar Association; Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Assn. and Lawyers Assn. of Kansas City
· Chairman & Treasurer, American Century Investments PAC
· Member, Public Affairs Council
· Member, Washington Representatives Committees of Investment Company Institute; Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association; American Benefits Council; National Defined Contribution Council & National Business Coalition on E-Commerce & Privacy
· Board of Directors, CORO (public and community affairs college internship program)