WHY WE ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR CAREER

A November 2011 article in The Economist ("Contact Sports") stated that "in the rarefied world of the corporate board, a good network matters."  The article went on to mention that executives with 400 contacts are, on average, paid 6 percent more than those with 200.  For non-executives, the gap is 14 percent. 

The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, LLC (WIPG) is the premier organization that introduces mid- to high-level professionals in the DC Metropolitan area to newly appointed Ambassadors from around the world, as well as newly elected Members of Congress.  We hold monthly networking events as a means of providing professionals extended exposure and access to key policy makers in the city.

WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR OUR SERVICES

As the demand for strategic partnerships and stronger networks with private and public sector groups continues to grow, it is clear that a need exists for DC-based professionals to expand their contacts among other key policy makers, business executives, political and community leaders. 

In the current economic times, DC-based professionals will need to depend on such contacts to obtain valuable information in the most cost-effective manner to ensure the best decisions are made when carrying out their business plans and policy goals. 

With the election of new members in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, the demand to interact with the Freshman Class of this Congress becomes even more apparent. WIPG can help you develop and organize Congressional Meet and Greets, staff briefings, and fly-in activities specifically designed for your needs that would allow for the continued growth of your contacts in Congress at very little cost.

WHY WE CAN BE A USEFUL RESOURCE FOR YOUR NEXT JOB

Networking is the best way to find your next job, especially since the vast majority of job openings are never advertised.  They are usually filled via word of mouth.  Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking opportunities because they feel it is a waste of time, nor do they recognize the value of making key necessary contacts.  But networking is not a useless excercise—it’s about building relationships. As you look for a new job, these relationships can provide much-needed feedback, advice, and support.

Networking may sound difficult, or even intimidating—especially when it comes to
finding a job or asking for help—but it doesn’t have to be. Networking can be
rewarding, and even fun.  It can be a useful tool even if you are new to the DC area and do not know that many people. 

Networking Reception

His Excellency Dr. Chibamba Kanyama

Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the

United States of America

Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 pm

Washington, DC

Networking Reception for Health Care Professionals

Ms. Elania Luk

Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to the

United States of America

Friday, April 24, 11:30 am

Washington, DC

To be announced.

H.E. Binalf Andualem Ashenef was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United States of America. Born in Finoteselam, Amhara Region of Ethiopia, he is fluent in English and Amharic.

He has held various high-ranking positions in the Ethiopian government, including Minister of Peace from 2021 to 2024, Chief Coordinator for Democracy Building under the Prime Minister’s Office from 2018 to 2020, and Deputy President of Amhara Regional State from 2012 to 2017. His career also includes leadership roles as an advisor, bureau head, and deputy mayor.

In the legislative sector, he has been a member of the House of People’s Representatives since 2021 and previously served in the Federation Council and Amhara Regional Council from 2011 to 2020. He is also active in executive boards, serving as Chairman of Wolayta Sodo University and as a board member of institutions such as the African Leadership Excellence Academy and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Academically, he holds a Diploma in mathematics from Addis Ababa University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Bahir Dar University, as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Bahir Dar University.

His interests include reading books on psychology, political science, and international affairs, as well as engaging in physical exercise.

Debbie Marshall has been on Chevron’s government affairs team since 2008 handling a
wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues. Previously Debbie served as Senior
Policy Advisor for the minority staff of the House Select Committee on Energy
Independence and Global Warming, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for
two congressmen. Debbie also spent six years as Federal Liaison for Governor John
Engler of Michigan in his Washington office. She also has experience working in the
Michigan State Legislature and on several campaigns.

Marshall holds a BA in Communications Arts and Sciences for Calvin University in
Grand Rapids, MI, and earned an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the
Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She recently participated in the Chevron
Leadership Forum and served a two-year term as a Corporate Member of the Council on
Foreign Relations.

As President of Smits Speidell Consulting, Shirley Speidell brings three decades of experience in federal government relations to her clients.

Throughout her distinguished career, Shirley has effectively advocated for a wide array of organizations, including local governments, Tribal governments, water and sewer districts, industry associations, and corporations. Her expertise spans a comprehensive range of policy issues including critical infrastructure, water resource development, ecosystem restoration, transportation, economic development, energy, public safety, telecommunications, technology, and nuanced taxation matters.

Shirley’s career on Capitol Hill included working for U.S. Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Robert Packwood (OR), and U.S. Representative Linda Smith (WA). She also served as professional staff for the U.S. House Committee on Science, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Shirley holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Willamette University.

Jeff Berkowitz is the founder and CEO of Washington’s preeminent competitive intelligence and risk advisory firm, Delve. Delve helps heavily regulated and highly scrutinized sectors − including energy and utilities, life sciences, financial services and beyond − anticipate and mitigate public affairs challenges.

Recognized by POLITICO as an “opposition research and policy ace” and “one of the best-known policy and opposition researchers in D.C.” by The Daily Beast, Berkowitz previously served as the Research Director of the Republican National Committee (RNC), where he served three tours under four chairmen across five election cycles. At the RNC, Berkowitz helped to craft the GOP response to current events and long-term initiatives, ranging from Supreme Court nominations to Obamacare to the Dodd-Frank financial regulations.

Berkowitz also served on staff or advised on five major presidential campaigns and has shepherded research and messaging operations at The White House, the U.S. Department of State, and several prominent private sector and non-profit organizations.

As a member of the Forbes Business Council and a leader in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Berkowitz provides both commentary and guidance to businesses and industries of all sizes. He also sits on the board of the America’s Future Foundation, a nationwide network fostering the next generation of liberty-minded leaders.

To interview or invite Jeff Berkowitz to speak at your event, please email Kevin Norton at kevin@delvedc.com.

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