James “Jake” Bookwalter serves as Senior Vice President of State and Global Issues at Stateside. As Senior Vice President, Jake manages our international monitoring teams, as well as, liaises with clients and frequently lectures about state issues. Additionally, Jake’s unique skillset in research and database management allow him to offer our clients expertise in specialty areas:
- Infrastructure - tracking how states spend federal funds on broadband, electric vehicle charging and other projects;
- Artificial Intelligence – tracking the myriad state level AI-related bills, regulations, policy guidance and providing executive level reporting for strategic decision making.
Growing up in Connecticut, Jake was a multi-year science fair champion, but after one year’s loss (which he might still dispute as controversial), his interest shifted to how governments work. His voracious newspaper reading, academic studying and desire to understand the actions of governments, led him to pursue a political science major at Trinity College in Hartford.
Hoping to be better prepared to enter the workforce after graduation, Jake opted for a full-time internship with a state legislator. That opportunity turned into a five-year position as a legislative aide in the Connecticut General Assembly where he was responsible for preparing testimonies, writing speeches, coordinating speaking engagements and informational forums, organizing outreach events, and working with municipalities and state agencies to address local concerns.
Knowing that he wanted to experience life beyond Connecticut, Jake’s sister noticed an opening at Stateside Associates and suggested he apply – a step which led him to Washington, DC. Jake joined Stateside in 2011 as a Legislative Associate and has served as Manager, Senior Manager, and Vice President of the Legislative Division before assuming his current role.
Though often found abroad, his laptop is almost always open. Jake has mastered the art of staying connected with clients and colleagues on Eastern Time even when roaming the world to stay abreast of global policy.
He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
