Leslee K. Gilbert Joins Van Scoyoc Associates

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leslee K. Gilbert, the departing Staff Director and Counsel for the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, is joining Van Scoyoc Associates as a Vice President.

Ms. Gilbert will specialize in science and technology funding, focusing on aerospace, basic and applied research, information technology, and energy issues.  Her work will build upon VSA's current representation of a variety of technology companies and many universities, colleges, institutions, and organizations of higher education.

Ms. Gilbert will also be an important contributor to VSA's partnership with ScienceWorks, a consulting firm that helps people and organizations succeed in science and engineering research.

"VSA already represents more higher-education clients than any other lobbying firm in Washington.  Leslee will solidify our leadership in the area and help our firm take another step forward in these complicated, demanding, and exciting fields," said H. Stewart "Stu" Van Scoyoc, CEO and President of the firm. 

With a law degree and a doctorate, Ms. Gilbert combines a thorough grounding in university life with an insider's understanding of Federal policy and funding for higher education, science, and technology.  While on the Committee, Ms. Gilbert worked on key pieces of legislation that authorize funding for Federal science and technology efforts, including the NASA Authorization Act, the Energy Independence and Security Act, and America COMPETES.

"I'm very excited to join the firm," Ms. Gilbert said.  "And I'm pleased that I can complement the work VSA is already doing in the areas of aerospace, research, and technology.  I am eager to use my experience and knowledge of these issues to help clients achieve their goals in Washington."

Since the GOP won a majority in the House, Ms. Gilbert has been the leading staff person on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.  There she managed 47 people and a $6.68-million budget for a Committee that authorizes and has oversight of programs in NASA, NSF, NOAA, NIST, EPA, and the Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, and Transportation.

Previously, she was Republican Staff Director of the same Committee for four years, following several years on the personal staff of Rep. Ralph M. Hall, R-Texas, the Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.  She earned her law degree from American University in the evenings while working on the Hill and is a member of the Maryland Bar.

Ms. Gilbert was on the faculty of St. Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona before she worked for Congress.  She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky after graduating cum laude from Texas A&M.

PRESS CONTACT: Nolan Walters (202) 737-8174 or [email protected]

SOURCE Van Scoyoc Associates