4 Questions with a Member: Henriette Carroll
Learn more about the members of the government relations community through AGRP’s 5 Questions with a Member Series. We kick off our series with a profile of Henriette Carroll, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications.
How did you get into the profession?
I founded State and Federal Communications, Inc. in 1993 in Akron, Ohio. The company provides government compliance information and consulting to organizations across the country. I purchased the compliance services and publications department, which I managed for 10 years for my former employer, State and Federal Associates, based in Alexandria, Virginia. After graduating from Kent State University, I took a position as acting director of public information at WKSU. Later, I moved to Washington, D.C. and worked as associate editor of Campaign & Elections and then answered an ad in the Washington Post for the position at State and Federal Associates.
What passions do you have outside of the profession?
I feel very strongly about being active in various professional societies, and community and volunteer efforts. I want to share my time, talent, and resources, and I encourage my staff to do the same. I make a point to provide them with community service hours throughout the year. My charity and community work include United Way, Go Red for Women, Haven of Rest Ministries, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, Susan G. Komen – Race for a Cure, and the WKSU/Kent State University Foundation along with others.
I am also involved in many government affairs leadership positions including the State Government Affairs Council Executive Committee (SGAC), and past president; a foundation board member for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL); associate member of the Council of State Governments (CSG); former president of Washington (DC) Area State Relations Group (WASRG); class of 2012 Public Affairs Council (PAC) Institute graduate and PAC board member; and I am heavily involved with the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL).
What’s your favorite government relations success story?
State and Federal Communications, Inc. is my favorite government relations success story.
The company grew from two employees with one client, to a company with more than 35 employees and an ever growing list of highly recognizable clients. State and Federal Communications, Inc. includes Fortune 500 companies, many trade and professional associations, legal and accounting firms, and corporate and contract lobbyists in all 50 states. This growth happened while staying strong to our ethical standards and helping clients remain socially responsible and true to the letter of the law.
What’s your professional philosophy?
I believe that professional community engagement and continuing education are critical to professional success. I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Association of Government Relations Professionals and joined the association in 2003. I received my Professional Lobbying Certificate through the program in 2008. I believe the associations’ goals are fully aligned with State and Federal Communications’ philosophy of, ‘I comply!’ I also encourage my staff to join AGRP and I have 6 staff members who earned their Professional Lobbying Certificates through the program, and another currently working towards the certificate in 2014.
Would you like to be profiled or know an AGRP member who should be? Just email info@grprofessionals.org with answers to the 4 Questions or suggestions and we’ll follow up.