biography
eric behrns, founding partner
Eric’s background and abilities are uniquely situated to help Elmwood Strategies’ clients take advantage of a time where emerging technologies will ultimately redefine America’s energy security. Eric has worked in both the government and private sector, focusing his work particularly upon policies related to energy, technology, taxes, telecommunications and financial services.
On Capitol Hill, Eric advised Members of Congress on many issues related to technology and telecommunications considered by the House Commerce Committee (now the Energy and Commerce Committee). With experience as both a Capitol Hill staffer and in numerous campaign-related functions Eric gained an excellent education in both policy and politics and the invaluable experience obtained by working for two skillful policymakers.
After transferring into the private sector, Eric represented companies and associations on Capitol Hill that ranged from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies in successive roles with Sayer & Associates, Applied Materials, Inc., and Xcel Energy. Eric was an original member of the Technology Industry Steering Committee 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; He has also successfully managed to help shape the actions and agendas of trade associations and coalitions.
After Eric was recruited to manage federal government relations for Xcel Energy, he quickly recognized the growing link between the technology industry he’d left and the future of how the world will create and consume energy. Additionally, this role expanded Eric’s network of relationships into the Beltway’s energy policy circles.
In the past, 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 ) as well as spending time at the Buffalo-based law firm of Stathacos & Bellas.
Eric earned his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University, majoring in Government, (with a focus on International Affairs), and minoring in Art History.
