WASHINGTON (December 13, 2021) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, is pleased to announce that Shannon L. Meade is joining the firm as Executive Director of the Workplace Policy Institute® (WPI™) in the Washington, D.C., office, effective December 20. Previously, Meade was Vice President of Public Policy and Legal Advocacy at the National Restaurant Association, which advocates on behalf of more than 500,000 restaurant businesses.
“It’s not every day you have the opportunity to add an executive of Shannon’s caliber,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s Managing Director and President. “Having known and worked closely with Shannon over the years, we know firsthand her depth of experience, aptitude in shaping public policy and passion for representing the interests of employers. I’m thrilled to welcome her to the firm and the WPI leadership team.”
Meade brings nearly two decades of labor and employment public policy experience to WPI, which engages all branches of government to ensure that employers have a voice in legislative and regulatory developments that impact their workplaces and business strategies. Her arrival coincides with the spate of labor and employment related activity in Washington, from President Biden’s Build Back Better legislation to various COVID-19 vaccination employer mandates.
“Shannon’s political acumen and role overseeing the public affairs policy team for the largest foodservice trade association in the world will be invaluable to our clients,” said Michael Lotito and Maury Baskin, co-chairs of WPI, in a joint statement. “At WPI, we are focused on engaging the employer community to define and shape the myriad of transformative issues impacting their businesses and the future of work. Shannon brings a wealth of experience that will benefit employers in navigating a rapidly changing environment.”
As WPI’s Executive Director, Meade will partner with and advocate on behalf of the employer community to affect workplace policies at the state and federal levels. She will also continue in her role as Executive Director of the Emma Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization co-founded by Littler and the National Restaurant Association. The Emma Coalition is dedicated to addressing the technology-induced displacement of employment (TIDE™) through education, training and engagement with policymakers.
“I am honored to join Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute, which continues to be a prominent player at the intersection of labor and employment law, policy and advocacy in Washington,” said Meade. “WPI is leading the charge on many of the critical workplace policies considered today on Capitol Hill and in statehouses across the country. I look forward to leveraging my knowledge and experience to effectively advocate for policies that best support Littler’s clients and the broader employer community.”
Meade joined the National Restaurant Association in 2016 and most recently advocated before Congress and the Executive Branch on the association’s key priorities, including labor, workforce development and immigration issues. In addition, she represented the restaurant industry and developed strategic advocacy campaigns on federal and state regulatory reform impacting the restaurant industry.
Prior to joining the National Restaurant Association, Meade served as Senior Director of Government and Political Affairs for the National Association of Travel Plaza and Truck Stop Operators. In that role, she developed and implemented the association’s legislative agenda, including labor and workforce, transportation and infrastructure, energy and environment, healthcare and tax policy issues. Meade also previously served as a Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she provided legislative analysis, advice and advocacy on energy and environmental issues facing business and industry.
Meade’s congressional experience includes serving as Chief of Staff (2015) and Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director (2011-2014) for U.S. Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), Legislative Assistant (2007-2009) for U.S. Representative Jon Porter (R-NV), and Professional Staff Member (2004-2006) for the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight under Chairman Tom Davis (R-VA).
Meade is a well-known and accomplished speaker on workforce and employment matters, and has presented to local, regional and national trade and employer associations. She received her J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and her B.A. from Emory & Henry College.
About Littler
With more than 1,600 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.
