Federal policy shifts are creating uncertainty for businesses, municipalities, and the climate economy sector. Join ACT and Tremont Strategies for a bipartisan discussion as we break down the latest legislative developments, discuss what’s at stake for climate and energy policy, and explore strategies to manage uncertainty in a rapidly shifting landscape. Our expert speakers will also shed light on the current dynamics in DC and opportunities where your organization can apply leverage.

Speakers

Joe Curtatone, President, ACT

Before stepping into the role of ACT President, Joseph A. Curtatone forged a reputation for being one of the most innovative mayors in the United States as the nine-term Mayor of Somerville, MA. That includes Somerville being named one of only 95 cities in the world to make the CDP Cities A-List for climate planning and action. He also spearheaded a comprehensive net-zero action plan for his city with a strong focus on equity. During his tenure, Curtatone embraced data-driven decision making, employed systems-based solutions to community issues and was an innovator in healthy city initiatives. He has forged regional coalitions to tackle issues around transportation, housing and COVID-19 pandemic response. He also worked to establish Somerville as a leader in climate technology, recruiting Greentown Labs to the city, where it has been steadily growing since 2013. Thanks to his pursuit of cutting-edge industries, Somerville saw its workforce increase by more than 40% during his tenure as the city became the home to billions of dollars of new economic activity. Curtatone also did significant work to reshape the city. In 2014, Somerville opened the first new station in Greater Boston's core light rail transit system in 27 years, and soon it will open six more new stations as part of the first major expansion of that system since the 1980s. In addition, during his time in office Somerville built a network of more than 40 miles of bicycle lanes inside a city of just 4.1 square miles. He is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School, the New England School of Law and Boston College. A father of four, Curtatone also has been a longtime high school and youth sports coach.

George Gomes, Vice President of Research & Policy, Tremont Strategies

In this role, George supports public policy efforts for clients at both the state and federal levels, through a combination of policy research and analysis. George supports efforts to identify new opportunities for clients and analyzes proposed statutory and regulatory changes of interest to clients. George also leads TSG's federal contract research work, including tracking opportunities of interest to clients.Prior to joining TSG, George worked at ADS Ventures as Director of Research and originally joined the firm as a participant in the Northeastern University Cooperative Education Program. Prior to joining ADS, George worked as a research analyst for renowned terrorism expert Dr. Jessica Stern. George graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern University, and later earned a master’s degree in Applied Economics from Southern New Hampshire University.

Liesl Sheehan, Partner, Tremont Strategies

Liesl leads the federal and multi-state government relations practice as a founding partner at Tremont Strategies. An expert in public policy strategy, bipartisan legislative strategy and communications, she is a valued partner for clients in the health care, defense, education, and biotechnology sectors. Her strategic approach and commitment to client impact has delivered transformative results for technology start-ups, major consumer brands, complex trade associations, and international NGOs.

Liesl was previously the President and head of Federal and Multi-State Affairs at ADS Ventures, after working for several years on Capital Hill and in the government and public affairs arena. Her private sector experience includes her role as Corporate Responsibility Specialist for Heineken USA, and public opinion research and consulting for The Mellman Group.

A Massachusetts native, Liesl cut her teeth in the district and Washington, DC offices of former Congressman Bill Delahunt (D-MA 10). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University.

Dan Collins, Senior Director, Tremont Strategies

Dan Collins is a seasoned policy advisor and government affairs professional with over twenty years of experience shaping public policy and regulatory frameworks in the energy, telecommunications, and transportation sectors. Previously, Dan served as Director of Government Affairs at the New England Power Generators Association, where he directed multistate legislative and regulatory affairs for the trade association representing a diverse group of electric generating companies competing in the region’s wholesale electricity markets.  

Prior to this role, Dan held senior leadership roles at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, serving as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, overseeing the Division of Regional and Federal Affairs while advising the Commission and Secretariat on regional energy issues with a focus on reliability, costs, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s energy and climate policies.

Dan's legal and regulatory expertise includes serving as Senior Counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Legal Counsel in the Massachusetts State Senate for the Joint Committee on Financial Services. A graduate of Suffolk University Law School, Dan is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.