William Bates

William “Bill” Bates is vice president for government affairs at the Council on Competitiveness. Bates is responsible for managing the Council's outreach and message to members of Congress, the administration and governors. He is the co-author of the Council’s Five for the Future competitiveness agenda that identifies critical issues that will determine America’s ability to compete and prosper in the global economy.

Bates previously served as director of government relations for the United States Telecom Association. Prior to that, he was chief of staff and legislative director to House Commerce Committee member, U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA). During his three years on Capitol Hill, he advised Eshoo on a wide range of technology issues, including telecommunications, biotechnology and intellectual property.

Before joining Eshoo, he was an associate with the Washington, D.C.-based public affairs company, Cassidy & Associates. With more than 14 years experience working for and with government policymakers, Bates brings a unique combination of political and policy expertise to the Council.

Bates holds a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in government and history from Cornell University. In his spare time, he is a fiction writer, with his first novel published in 2004.