Thursday, October 9, 2008
Joint Dinner Meeting, sponsored by PACE and MSPE
Professional Activities Continuing Education (IEEE) and Missouri Society of Professional Engineers

Program: Topic: Communicating With Elected Officials

Why are engineers so good at solving technical problems, yet have difficulty influencing public policy? Politicians need and often want advice from engineers on solving tough problems. But, you need to speak the politician’s language to get through to them. Learn the simple rules for communicating effectively with your elected officials. Our discussion will include how to discuss policy with elected officials, when to communicate with them, and what to expect in return. You have important things to say, things that your elected officials need to hear. Let’s make sure your message isn’t lost in the translation.

Speaker - Russell T. Harrison - Legislative Representative for Grassroots Activities

IEEE-USA, Washington D.C. Russell is the Legislative Representative for Grassroots Activities for IEEE-USA. In this capacity, he is responsible for helping members of IEEE-USA interact with, and ultimately influence, elected officials. Prior to joining IEEE-USA, Mr. Harrison directed grassroots programs at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and the American Iron and Steel Institute. During his tenure, he actively raised campaign contributions through both of the associations’ political action committees. Mr. Harrison also represented the recycling and steel industries on Capitol Hill, and in state capitols on a variety of issues as a professional lobbyist. Mr. Harrison has a BA in Political Science, with minors in History and Communications, from Allegheny College, and a MS in Public Policy for the University of Maryland.

*****************************************************************