TSPPPA alumni Owen Caine, M.P.P. ‘15, discusses his professional journey and defining only-at-GW moment. As Assistant Vice President of Federal Legislative Affairs at the National Apartment Association, he has built a fulfilling career centered on connection, consensus-building, and advocating for solutions to a national problem.
“I think people who are successful in government relations are the people that don't see their career as work. Engaging with people, networking, and spending time having conversations are a constant in this field and especially important in the beginning parts of your career.”
Owen Caine
M.P.P. ‘15
Where did you grow up and how has your background influenced you today?
I was born in Connecticut but grew up outside of Boston, in a small colonial city named Dedham, MA. My background has certainly influenced my current life in a number of ways, but what stands out most was being raised with a deep sense of family and community. The goals of always being a good neighbor, treating others well, and being there for others when they are down have directed my life into a present day career where I engage with people each day and work to find consensus, even among those that disagree.
Tell us about your current professional role and how it excites you.
My role as Assistant Vice President of Federal Legislative Affairs at the National Apartment Association involves leading advocacy efforts for apartment owners throughout the country, representing some 15 million units. Being in the midst of a national housing crisis, I particularly love my job because I get to work towards solutions to solve this national problem. As one example, I have gotten a front line seat to the formation (and hopeful passage) of two of the largest, bipartisan housing legislative packages seen in decades.
What accomplishment are you most proud of personally or professionally and why?
My career has been littered with a seemingly unconnected series of accomplishments, each very unique. Hands down, I am most proud of the people I have been lucky enough to surround myself with. Both professionally and personally, I had a constant source of support and guidance from some of the smartest, kindest, and most accomplished people I have ever met. This includes my family, my friends, my boyfriend and my boss.
What is your only-at-GW moment? In other words, what is an experience/opportunity you believe GW provided you access to?
The moment that sticks out to me was having class the night after the 2012 election. I was working for a Republican member of congress who was not reelected, meaning I was out of a job. I remember feeling pretty down (every election has a loser, right?) and not wanting to go to class. I am so glad I went. Not only did my professor call me out and say that it was everyone's job to help me find my next place, but each and every classmate came up to me and offered to help in my new search. You have to remember that I may have been the only Republican in my class, or DC in that election year. The idea that those people who barely knew me were so understanding, kind, and helpful has always stuck with me.
Was there a standout course, professor, or organization from your time as a student that inspired your career path?
I loved many classes, but the most fun I had in any class was Charles Field's Negotiations class. What a fun series of weekend days learning and practicing all the in and outs of negotiation. It was like an extrovert's nirvana.
What is a piece of advice you would offer to students seeking to pursue your field of work?
I think people who are successful in government relations are the people that don't see their career as work. Engaging with people, networking, and spending time having conversations are a constant in this field and especially important in the beginning parts of your career.
What is a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
I was a theater geek all through high school and college. Stage construction, stage acting and improv acting were how I spent most of my extracurricular time growing up. I am not sure anyone ever thought that would lead me to lobbying, but I consider that time to be incredibly informative to how I am able to interact with people, find consensus, and think on my feet. Never let anyone tell you your background doesn't allow you to do what you want to and enjoy!
How do you give back to the GW community?
I have used many capstone teams to help the organizations I have been working at, with great success! I have also tried to attend mentoring and "speed dating" receptions for current students.