Background
Proven track record for securing the passage of legislation and advancing complex policy priorities. Intricate understanding of policy at the state level. Builds stakeholder relationships to collaborate on policies.
Chanell Autrey excels at developing and implementing lobbying strategies and creating persuasive arguments to sway policy decisions. With over 10 years of experience in government relations, public policy, and legislative strategy in both the public and private sectors, she advises companies on navigating state and local legislative and regulatory environments that impact their operations. She is adept at leveraging her extensive relationships with policymakers and stakeholders across the country.
Previously, Chanell served as Target’s director of government affairs for the Mid-Atlantic/Great Lakes region, where she developed and executed comprehensive lobbying strategies across multiple states, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio. In this role, she advised on a broad range of policy issues—from data privacy and labor and employment to retail theft and public safety—and represented the company before legislative bodies, trade associations, and key stakeholder groups. She also led engagement with the Congressional Black Caucus and the African American Mayors Association.
Chanell held senior roles at Starbucks and Monumental Sports & Entertainment, advancing policies, forging partnerships, and managing government relations across jurisdictions. Previously, she served on the District of Columbia Council as committee director and legislative counsel, helping pass legislation on economic development and criminal justice reform. Chanell began her career as an assistant public defender in Maryland, representing clients in criminal cases and gaining legal experience.
Credentials
EDUCATION
2012, J.D., George Washington University Law School
2009, B.A., Pennsylvania State University
ADMISSIONS
Maryland
Community Involvement
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Board Member, Pennsylvania State University School of Public Policy, 2025–present
Chair, Business Council for the African American Mayors Association, 2023–2025
Board Member, DC Appleseed, 2023–2025
Board Member, DC Justice Lab, 2021–2025
Executive Board Member, Xi Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 2020–present
Former Board Member-at-Large, National Bar Association, 2020–2022
Recognition
AWARDS
Top Ten Director of Government Affairs, Government Business Review Magazine, 2023
Top Lobbyist, Lawyers of Color, 2022-2023
Top 40 Under 40, National Bar Association, 2019
George Washington Law Alumni Association Recent Alumni Award, 2017
