Nick Williams - BNW Consulting, LLC joined our firm as a contractual lobbyist in October of 2021. Nick has more than 18 years of experience within state government operations and the General Assembly. Nick brings with him an extensive understanding of the legislative process and a broad skill set ranging from tracking legislation to leading and representing organizations of more than 3,000 employees. Nick has held several legislative positions with the State of Illinois. Most notable are his roles serving as House Floor Liaison and leading the member roll call process in the Senate and the House Chambers. In addition to the Governor's Office, Nick served as Director of Governmental Affairs to the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Agriculture, Transportation, and Natural Resources.
Nick has served as both President and Associate Director of two separate associations where he worked diligently to foster relations with numerous state agencies to best navigate regulatory and policy issues pertinent to the industry. Nick has more than 7 years of Association budget and PAC fund management experience, and he also facilitated outreach efforts in Illinois to further economic development. With his many years of experience in state government, Nick prides himself on the countless relationships he has established and his expertise surrounding the state’s political landscape.
Work Experience
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE:
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Extensive legislative and executive branch experience
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Political and campaign consulting
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Networking and relationship building
2019-Present
January 2013 – June 2018
2013 - 2014
2012 - 2013
2012
2007 - 2012
2005 - 2007
Illinois Coal Association
President
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Tracked the legislative agenda
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Monitored legislative committees and floor action
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Conferred with section councils to develop legal opinions and association positions
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Analyzed House and Senate bills for items directly affecting the association
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Coordinated a legislative reception
Illinois Petroleum Council
Associate Director
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Represented over 600 members doing business in the oil and natural gas business
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Tracked all legislation pertaining to oil and natural gas
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Attended and testified at committee hearings Drafted legislative initiatives
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Presented weekly reports with bill status including tax credit and business development legislation
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs
Illinois Capitol Development Board
Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs
Illinois Department of Transportation
Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs
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Tracked all legislation that pertains to each agency
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Attended and testified at committee hearings
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Maintained Governors initiatives from drafting to passage
Illinois House of Representatives
Research Analyst, Research & Appropriations Unit, Office of the Speaker
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Drafted and analyzed legislation, researched bill history, and interacted with legislators, lobbyist, agency
representatives, and constituents
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Summarized, in a concise report, several state agency budget requests and initiatives for presentation to
the legislative appropriation committee members
2003 - 2005
EDUCATION
B.A., Political Science , Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, August 2002
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