Simon Wlodarski has served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now he is working for Bank of America. Tune in to hear his story.
Release Date: 11/04/2024
2025 Virginia Election Preview with David Hallock, Two Capitols Consulting
The Political Life
In this week's episode, hosts president of Two Capitols Consulting in Virginia. With 30 years of experience working in the Virginia Governor’s office and General Assembly, the United States Senate, and the private sector, David is one of the most seasoned and respected operatives in the Commonwealth. Maggie and David walk through the evolving dynamics in this year's statewide election including gubernatorial and attorney general races and what could be in store in the closing weeks ahead of November's election.
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New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Preview with Bill Maer, Public Impact Strategies
The Political Life
In today's episode, hosts , senior partner wtih Public Impact Strategies. Bill is a well-respected New Jersey lobbyist and onetime political operative with a career spanning more than 30 years. He was appointed to Governor Phil Murphy’s 2018 Transition Committee to advise the incoming Administration on State related policies. Maggie and Bill discuss the Garden State's colorful political dynamics and how historical trends could or could not apply to this year's gubernatorial race betweeen Jack Ciattarelli (R) and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D).
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Remembering Charlie Kirk with Sen. Julia Coleman
The Political Life
On today's special episode, hosts Minnesota state to reflect on the life and legacy of her friend and mentor Charlie Kirk. The conversation took place on September 12, two days after he was assassinated while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. Sen. Coleman began her political career on the staff of Turning Point USA and later became the youngest woman elected to the Minnesota state senate.
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Meet Amanda Nguyen, President & CEO of the American Distilled Spirits Alliance
The Political Life
On today's episode, hosts President & CEO of the Amanda, an accomplished attorney and seasoned government affairs executive, recently took the helm at ADSA. The two discuss Amanda's time working in a state legislature, her path to Washington, D.C. and raising her daughter as a single mom while building a successful career.
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Why Political Lives Last Longer than Any Individual Campaign, with Vartan Dijhanian
The Political Life
In today's episode, sits down with , Director of Global Government Affairs for LAM Research. Vartan has worked on political campaigns since middle school and went on to serve on the staff for multiple Members of Congress before transitioning to the private sector. A native of Lebanon, he has a deep appreciation for American politics and how anyone can pursue public service and give back to their country.
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Pigskins and Politics with T.J. Birkel
The Political Life
In this week’s episode, hosts Head - Government Affairs, West, for Kroger and host of his own podcast, They chat about T.J.’s time on Capitol Hill, his transition to the private sector and state affairs, building businesses and of course, Nebraska football. Go Big Red.
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Meet New Mexico Speaker Javier Martinez
The Political Life
On today's episode, is joined by . They discuss his ascent into politics and legislative leadership, the issues that matter most to him, how he leads his chamber, the big issues that the legislature tackled this session and what's ahead in 2026.
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NCSL Marks 50 Years with Tim Storey
The Political Life
In today's episode, welcomes back to the show, CEO of the to mark the organization's 50th anniversary. The two discuss the origins of NCSL, its impact on states as well as thousands of state legislators and staff, current programs and NCSL's important role in states rights. Tim also shares a preview for the 50th Legislative Summit set for Boston next month.
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Meet Nneka Chiazor, New President at the Public Affairs Council
The Political Life
In today's episode, is joined by , the newly installed President for the The two discuss Nneka's career, her vision for the Council moving forward, and she shares all the ways any professional in public or government affairs can get involved. More about upcoming Public Affairs Council events .
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A Tribute to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman with Cristine Almeida
The Political Life
In the wake of the tragic political assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, sits down with of Almeida Public Affairs in St. Paul, Minnesota. The conversation explores Speaker Hortman's career and legacy in Minnesota as well as the impact of her death reverberating in the community of states and the challenge to our country which faces increased threats of violence to public officials.
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SIMON WLODARSKI, is a Senior Vice President at Bank of America and is a member of the U.S. State and Local Government Relations Team, overseeing State/Local Government Relations for the company in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Colorado. In this regional role with the company, Simon works on public policy issues impacting the financial services industry. In his leadership role with the company, he engages with public officials and banking industry leaders across the country. Simon serves as the Bank’s liaison with the National Council of State Legislators, a national trade association of state legislators. He also serves as Vice Chair on the Executive Board of the Civic Federation, a non-profit organization advocating for responsible fiscal health of state and local government in Illinois.
Prior to joining Bank of America, Simon served in the Administration of Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois. Simon began his public policy career supporting the Office of Management and Budget before serving as Chief of Staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs. In that capacity, Simon oversaw finance, human resources, operations and legislative affairs.
Simon served in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in 1995 as an infantry Marine. Transferring to the Reserves to attend college, Simon went on to pursue a commission in 2003, serving as an Infantry Officer during combat tours in Iraq. Simon transferred to the Illinois National Guard in 2011, serving in Afghanistan as an advisor, as well as an embedded officer in the Polish Task Force. Simon most recently served in Ukraine as an advisor, leading a multi-National NATO team working with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Amongst his awards, Simon is most proud to have earned the Army’s Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Marine Combat Action Ribbon, and retired in December 2022 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard.
Simon was born in Chicago, Illinois, and currently lived in Arlington Heights with his wife and two sons. He completed a BS in Engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from Northern Illinois University.