Erin Neal

About Erin Neal

I am an ardent space geek with decades of successful policymaking experience in civil, commercial, military, and intelligence programs. I draw on this unique expertise in both science and politics to connect clients with major influencers and shape how government views the space business. Velocity lays the groundwork for client success by leveraging strong bipartisan relationships with senior officials throughout the Executive Branch, Congress, and industry: • We build customized communications strategies informed by clients’ business goals.• We educate policy makers so they understand the technology, trade, and other commercial implications of their actions.• We keep our eyes and ears open so that companies and organizations can seize the best opportunities to enhance their market or move an obstacle that blocks progress.I earned my reputation as a trusted advisor by deftly navigating the Washington technology and policy landscape for 20 years. Highlights include: • Lobbied to save funding for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency launch program. I rallied stakeholders and educated Senators, persuading them to reverse plans to zero out the program and instead, restore full funding. • Led the watershed industry fight to ease trade restrictions on US satellite exports and restore American companies’ ability to regain their global market share. I united competitors and adversaries into a single coalition and gained bipartisan support in Congress. • Directed legislative strategy for key House and Senate committees on budget, aviation, and science, space & technology. • Served as policy analyst for the biggest players in the field, including the Congressional Research Service, NASA headquarters, and the Space Policy Institute. I proudly wear the badge of an ethical Washington lobbyist: After a hard-fought policy battle, I am still on good professional terms with those I opposed along the way.

Experience

1. Partner

   Velocity Government Relations

   Dec 2017 — Present · Arlington, VA, US

   Velocity is a woman-owned, bipartisan consultancy where the principals provide hands-on guidance to aerospace/defense and space tech clients who want a voice in Washington or insider advice on government technology sales. We help you deliver effective messaging to the right person at the right time for maximum impact. Velocity serves publicly traded and privately held companies, nonprofits, trade associations, and coalitions.Our network and subject matter expertise is deep and wide:• Strong bipartisan relationships in the House and Senate and an intimate knowledge of congressional processes.• Working relationships with senior officials in the intelligence/national security community and space-related agencies: the Departments of Commerce, Defense, State, and Transportation; NASA; NOAA; the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and the National Reconnaissance Office, among others.• Mastery of complex topics, such as satellite export control reform, rocket propulsion industrial base sustainment, use of excess ICBMs as launch vehicles, satellite remote sensing, on-orbit satellite robotic servicing, national security space architecture, operationally responsive space, commercial data buys, missile defense layered architecture, and the digital divide.Organizations that engage Velocity can expect:• Platinum professional and ethical standards in a culture of trust where we consider our clients’ reputation in every action we take.• A clear and honest assessment of what can be achieved. Our strategies map out the best way to pursue a client’s goal, a timeline, and how much heavy lifting is involved.• An expert reading of the business and policy environment, including when to push harder, take risks, and adjust tactics in response to unexpected developments.• Ability to translate technical language into policy speak and vice versa. We are expert communications strategists in coalition building, social media, white papers, media relations, and more.

Education

• Centenary College of Louisiana

  B.S., Physics

  1989 — 1993

• The George Washington University

  M.A., International Science, Technology & Public Policy

  1997 — 1999