July 17, 2008
ANNE WONSETTLER JOINS HEATHER PODESTA + PARTNERS LLC
Wonsettler Brings Diverse State and Local Experience to the Firm
(Washington, DC) – Anne Wonsettler, a specialist in infrastructure, health care, and education policy issues, joins Heather Podesta + Partners LLC (HP+P), Heather Podesta announced today.
Wonsettler served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a special assistant to Governor Edward G. Rendell in the Office of Legislative Affairs.
Governor Rendell stated, "Anne Wonsettler is a rare combination of superior intellect and dazzling people skills. She did a great job for us shaping my legislative initiatives and helping to get them passed into law."
On behalf of the Governor, she worked with key Democratic and Republican members of the General Assembly and cabinet officials to pass legislation that was signed into law by Governor Rendell. Major legislative achievements during her tenure include Cover All Kids healthcare, a statewide smoking ban, key energy legislation, and multiple Commonwealth budgets.
Wonsettler directly assisted Governor Rendell with his bipartisan co-chairmanship for Building America's Future, a coalition to reinvest in U.S. infrastructure. She also worked with the offices of the other chairmen, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) and Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I-NY), as well as the Rockefeller Foundation to motivate local officials to spotlight and demand action for America's growing infrastructure needs.
"Wonsettler understands the interplay between federal and state policy, and she will help clients engage with Governors and state officials at the federal level to impact national policy, especially in the areas of infrastructure and health care. Her background in intergovernmental affairs and hsubstantive subject matter expertise will bring new value to HP+P and its clients," said Podesta.
Prior to joining the Rendell administration, Wonsettler worked as a legislative aide for Democratic Caucus leadership in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Wonsettler has widespread grassroots campaign experience in both primary and general election operations. She played an active volunteer role in Governor Rendell's two successful gubernatorial campaigns and Representative Mike Sturla's reelection. A native of Pennsylvania, Wonsettler received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University.
Heather Podesta + Partners (www.heatherpodesta.com) is a cutting-edge government relations firm providing strategic advice to companies, trade associations, non-profits, and individuals on how to make Washington work for them. HP + P provides clients with sophisticated government relations, strategic planning, coalition building, political intelligence, and communications counsel.
