Overview
Eric has completed tours of duty in both government and the private sector and has developed an intuitive understanding of politics and the ability to quickly grasp policy implications and their strategic importance to clients.  In particular, he has focused his work upon policies related to energy, technology, telecommunications, and financial services.  Eric’s experience is uniquely situated to help Elmwood Strategies’ clients take advantage of a century where emerging technologies will help redefine America’s energy security.

Capitol Hill Experience
Eric came to Capitol Hill as a legislative aide to Rep. Bill Paxon, (R-NY), handling many of the issues related to Paxon’s seat on the House Commerce Committee.  During that time the Financial Services Modernization Act, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and various technology and telecom issues were among the many issues considered by the committee.  When Paxon retired, Eric assumed similar responsibilities with incoming Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-NY).   Reynolds was no ordinary freshman and he immediately earned a coveted spot on the Rules Committee as well as being named a Deputy Whip in House Republican Leadership.

Both positions offered Eric a unique view of Washington.  Rep. Paxon ran the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) when Republicans regained the majority in the House of Representatives and is widely considered to possess one of his generation’s best political minds.  Reynolds is also widely considered an exceptionally savvy politician, (and also served as Chairman of the NRCC).  The opportunity to work for two policymakers with well-honed political skills offered Eric a first-rate political education. 

Both Paxon and Reynolds encouraged staffers to delve into the politics of policy with the implicit understanding that what could realistically be accomplished was as important as the theoretical policy perspective.  In other words, staffers learned to practice the “art of the possible.”  This experience translates well to the private sector; there is no point in hiring a consultant for public policy goals that cannot be realized.

Private Sector Experience
Eric’s tenure on Capitol Hill and in numerous campaign-related functions provided skills that easily transposed into the private sector.  In successive roles with Sayer & Associates, Applied Materials, Inc., and Xcel Energy he represented both little-known and Fortune 500 companies on Capitol Hill.  His responsibilities included creating legislative strategies, tactical execution of strategies, and building both clients’ relationships and brands within strategic Capitol Hill constituencies.  Eric was an original member of the Technology Industry Steering Committee, a group that advises House and Senate Republicans on technology policy, and has worked closely with both the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force and the House Republican High-Tech Working Group to formulate their legislative agendas.  Also, he has proven adept at working with trade associations and coalitions and has successfully managed to help shape their actions and agendas.

As a matter of philosophy, Eric believes it is essential to understand why other industry players – particularly competitors – choose particular courses of action.  Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competing interests helps mitigate competitive influences in areas as one contends for scarce resources in the Beltway’s corridors. 

After Eric was recruited to manage federal government relations for Xcel Energy, he quickly recognized the growing link between the technology world he’d left and the future of how the world will create and consume energy.  Additionally, this new role served to expand Eric’s network of relationships into the Beltway’s energy policy circles.  Few consultants can offer this mix of experience in both the energy and technology sectors, experience that is increasingly valuable as these disparate industries begin to intersect.  In both industries, Eric produced numerous successes in building relationships and achieving corporate objectives. Furthermore, he was particularly successful in adding co-sponsors and votes to legislation.

Eric Behrns is adept at making effective written and/or oral arguments to Members of Congress and their staff with confidence because he:
– Educates himself about their primary concerns and interests beforehand
– Intuitively understands what motivates staffers and Members as they serve their districts and states, and
– Is able to think on his feet as new concerns arise in meetings.  Many lobbyists fail to achieve their objectives because they do not properly assess the forces constraining a Member before pitching their client’s policy priorities.    

Previously, Eric performed research at the Woodrow Wilson Center for a book by John B. Judis entitled The Paradox of American Democracy.  He also has worked at an NBC affiliate assisting with reportorial duties, at two newspapers, and at a Beltway-based magazine (The New Republic). Lastly, Eric also spent time at the Buffalo-based law firm of Stathacos & Bellas. 

Eric’s undergraduate degree came from Georgetown University, where he majored in Government, (with a focus on International Affairs), and minored in Art History.

All of these experiences have helped build relationships that can be leveraged appropriately for clients.  His understanding of the players, the history, the limitations, and the internal politics of the energy and technology sectors help his clients navigate Washington’s congested and often bumpy roads with efficiency.  In short, Eric’s experience, relationships, and abilities are tailor-made for helping Elmwood Strategies’ clients achieve their public policy goals.