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.

Natasha Perez, VP, Strategic Communications, ACT, Moderator

Natasha is a seasoned Executive and Project Manager renowned for her mission-driven approach and rich experience; she has a proven track record of leading large, diverse teams and driving complex strategic projects across healthcare, energy, and government sectors. Natasha brings extensive experience to NECEC from years of instrumental consultancy work spanning nonprofit programs, government organizations, and corporate entities. Before joining ACT full-time, Natasha served in pivotal roles, including Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Senate and President of Alta Management Consulting.

Throughout her career, Natasha has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic insight, overseeing legislative priorities, negotiating with key stakeholders, and driving impactful policy. Passionate about contributing to innovative, fast-paced organizations, Natasha leverages her management experience, analytical skills, and communications expertise to drive impactful change. She fosters collaborative problem-solving and strategic vision, empowering teams to achieve organizational goals. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts and a Master of Science in Project Management with a focus on Marketing and Branding from Boston 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.

Katie Zirkelbach, Strategic Partner, Tremont Strategies | Founder, Zirkelbach Strategies

Katie Zirkelbach has over two decades of experience managing advocacy campaigns for a variety of organizations at the federal and state levels. She has executed successful government relations strategies on a broad range of issues, including financial services, cybersecurity, school choice, health insurance and prescription drugs.

Prior to founding Zirkelbach Strategies, she led congressional republican advocacy efforts at one of the nation’s largest health insurance companies during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, managed several advocacy campaigns for the leading health insurance trade association during and immediately following the passage of landmark federal legislation, and ran a successful multi-client lobbying firm in South Carolina.

Katie’s extensive experience advocating within trade associations and as an in-house lobbyist at a Fortune 50 company provides a distinct vantage point on how to approach client needs.