Deidre Kohlrus is the Senior Director, Government Affairs at the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, the largest energy services trade association representing over 350 companies in the energy and technology value chain. In this role she advises member companies on Federal and State legislative and regulatory activities, and develops strategic advocacy campaigns to advance the interests of Energy Workforce’s membership.

Prior to her current role, Deidre served as a senior political appointee at the U.S. Department of Energy as the Chief of Staff of DOE’s Office of International Affairs and as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. Deidre played a key role in advancing the Department’s initiatives on U.S. exports of natural gas, energy security and infrastructure development.

Deidre’s career began on Capitol Hill with U.S. Senator John Cornyn where she served as his executive assistant during his tenure as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and as the Senate Majority Whip. She parlayed her political and policy experience into senior positions on the 2016 presidential campaigns of businesswoman Carly Fiorina and former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, as well as the Republican National Committee.

Deidre holds batchelor’s degrees in Political Science and History from Southern Methodist University.