Todd Willens
Partner
ABOUT
Todd Willens is a Partner at The Bernhardt Group and one of Washington’s most respected voices in natural resource policy and environmental regulation. With nearly 25 years of federal experience across the legislative and executive branches, Todd is widely recognized for his ability to develop and execute policy in high-stakes, high-pressure environments.
ISSUE AREAS
Government Affairs, Public Lands, Wildlife Management, Endangered Species Act, CITES, World Heritage, National Environmental Policy Act, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Mining, Water, Federal Administrative and Regulatory Process, Congressional Legislative, Budget & Appropriations Processes, Congressional Oversight, Congressional Testimony & Natural Resources
As Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Todd was instrumental in aligning internal agency processes with presidential directives, particularly in areas involving land use, wildlife protection and energy development. His previous roles as Associate Deputy Secretary of the Interior and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife & Parks gave him oversight of some of the most sensitive and complex policy areas at the Department, which included the Great American Outdoors Act Task Force, the Regulatory Reform Task Force, the Department of the Interior Executive Review Board, the National Environmental Policy Act Working Group, the Endangered Species Act Working Group, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Presidio Trust, the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, the International Wildlife Conservation Council and a Member of the Board at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Todd’s Capitol Hill career spanned two decades and included senior positions with Members of Congress from both California and New Mexico, as well as the House Natural Resources Committee. His work led to the inclusion of significant provisions in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, reforms to NEPA and landmark updates to the Endangered Species Act.
Todd utilizes his unique understanding of how agencies, Congress and outside stakeholders intersect to give clients strategic guidance. He is known for his pragmatic style, policy depth and ability to navigate complex issues with clarity and proven experience.