Wyoming - Meet Jonathan Downing - a new asset for CWPMA/RMFIA
WIth the retirement of past CWPMA Executive Director and more recently Executive Vice President Mark Larson, Executive Director Grier Bailey received approval from the Board of Directors this month to lead and direct the lobbying efforts in both states with the assistance of contract lobbyists in each state. Bailey will lobby on critical issues impacting petroleum marketers that require a higher level of industry understanding and representation. The contract lobbyists will monitor all aspects of the legislature and regulatory environment to assist Bailey in determining policy direction and when issues will need to be addressed directly or delegated to the contract lobbyist. Importantly, member participation and testimony is ALWAYS the preferred method of interaction with the legislature but, as members know, there many times simply isn't time to orchestrate such an effort. The Association will continue to use the very effective "Call to Action" rapid response emails and phone calls when critical issues demand.
Long time Wyoming lobbyist and well-connected political activist Jonathan Downing of Cheyenne was selected by CWPMA leadership's Selection Committee to represent WPMA in the new model of representation. Downing has a rich background in both federal and state legislative activities. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Finance as well as a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming. He has worked for former U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, former Governor Jim Geringer and former Secretary of State Joe Meyer. Jonathan has represented a plethora of business groups and organizations over the years. His current clients include Cowboy Skill Games LLC; Juul Labs' NextEra Energy Resources LLC; Pace-O-Matic Wyoming LLC and the Wyoming Press Association.
While Jonthan's expertise is lobbying the legislature, he has considerable skills in building small business coalitions and Associations. Jonathan is well connected in Wyoming's political arena being well recognized by Governor Mark Gordon and his Chief of Staff Buck McVeigh as well as close ties to DEQ's Director Todd Parfitt and his executive staff. Throughout Jonathan's career he has served on the Board of Directors of several organizations, demonstrating an ability to strategically manage public policy issues, government relations, philanthropic and grant funded programs.
Jonathan will hit that ground running as Wyoming moves into the 2022 Biennium Budget Session in February. While Executive Director Bailey will be the primary representative of WPMA in Wyoming, the very high-maintenance legislative needs in Colorado may require Jonathan's involvement. Exiting onto retirement, Larson considers Downing's retention the optimal replacement to work with Bailey in guarding and protecting petroleum marketer interests into the near future. Bailey and Downing will be communicating with members soon on 2022 Budget Session issues. While Bailey continues as the lead in Wyoming's lobbying efforts, Jonathan's contact information is below for member interaction and questions. Please welcome Jonathan Downing to the CWPMA team.
Jonathan Downing
Downing Strategy and Solutions, LLC
PO Box 2537
Cheyenne WY 82003
(307) 630-7632