#United States #Washington D.C. #EPA #Wendi Wilkes #Banner Public Affairs

Wendi Wilkes Joins Banner Public Affairs

Banner Public Affairs recently announced the addition of Wendi Wilkes as Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Chief of Staff for its Water Practice. Wilkes is a notable figure in the realm of environmental policy, particularly focused on water infrastructure. Her impressive background includes her role at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she played a significant part in the implementation of President Biden's ambitious $50 billion water infrastructure investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In her capacity as Director of Infrastructure Implementation at the EPA, Wilkes partnered with both state governments and local communities to enhance the quality, safety, and reliability of water systems across the United States. This experience uniquely positions her to influence policy and legislation at Banner, as she now aims to bolster the firm's advocacy efforts in infrastructure. Her previous position as Manager of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs for the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators allowed her to cultivate policy stances pertinent to legislative and regulatory matters affecting public water systems.

Mae Stevens, a partner at Banner and chair of the Water Practice, expressed her enthusiasm about Wilkes, stating, "Wendi has an outstanding record of transforming complex water infrastructure challenges into tangible results for communities, driven by her strategic mindset and collaborative spirit." Her wealth of experience, along with a deep understanding of water policy, makes Wilkes a valuable asset to the firm as they expand their influence and drive for impactful policy changes in the sector.

Wilkes's expertise extends beyond merely understanding the challenges faced in water infrastructure; it lies in her ability to reshape those challenges into viable solutions that benefit communities. Her approach is marked by a strong commitment to collaboration, making her a fitting leader in pushing for effective water policies.

As part of her new role at Banner, Wilkes will work alongside a dedicated team that includes government relations, public relations, and digital strategy professionals. This multidisciplinary approach is designed to tackle the multifaceted nature of water-related issues and enhance strategies for effective communication and outreach with stakeholders across the board.

Banner Public Affairs prides itself on its bipartisan strategies and problem-solving mindset, aiming to turn unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth. With Wilkes onboard, the firm is positioned to further solidify its leadership in water infrastructure advocacy and governmental relations. According to their official messaging, they focus on delivering tailored solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals in public policy.

With offices located in Washington, D.C., St. Louis, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Banner is widely recognized for its commitment to guiding clients through the complexities of policy and regulation. As Wilkes embarks on this new journey, she is expected to bring both innovative strategies and a wealth of knowledge to Banner Public Affairs, further enhancing its mission to foster sustainable and reliable water systems across the nation. Her leadership promises to advance the firm’s goals and assist clients as they navigate the intricate landscape of water policy and infrastructure development.

In summary, Wendi Wilkes's transition to Banner Public Affairs marks a significant milestone not just for her career, but also for the future of water advocacy within the organization. With a solid foundation in both regulatory affairs and practical infrastructure implementation, Wilkes will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the firm's agenda and enhancing its advocacy initiatives.