Senior Government Affairs Leader

William R. Elwood is an experienced government and community relations leader with a proven record of driving policy outcomes and building durable partnerships with state and local governments nationwide. Known for forging bipartisan relationships and navigating complex political environments, he has played key roles in high-stakes engagements that have shaped both regional and national policy.

Will has worked extensively across the West Coast, partnering with lawmakers, health agencies, and governors’ offices in California, Oregon, and Washington State on issues ranging from regulatory modernization to emerging public policy.

Originally from Arkansas, Will’s passion for politics ignited early through a unique connection with his grandmother, with whom he memorized the names of the presidents over Sunday breakfast in Little Rock. That early fascination with government led to a career in public service where he has consistently bridged the gap between the public and private sectors.

Will’s career includes senior leadership roles at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where he served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the FDA Commissioner’s Office. In this role, he led nationwide engagement with all 50 states, cultivating strong relationships with elected officials and regulators. His work positioned the FDA as a trusted partner in state-level discussions on politically sensitive and fast-moving policy issues. He received the FDA Outstanding Service Award for his exceptional leadership and sustained contributions to protect public health.

Will began his federal career in 2014 as a Presidential Management Fellow, joining the FDA’s newly formed state relations team. He quickly became a go-to advisor on complex intergovernmental matters, briefing senior leaders, including the FDA Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, on emerging legislation and regulatory challenges. Promoted to Director in 2020, Will led FDA’s engagement with state and local governments during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening critical relationships during a period of unprecedented crisis. His cross-jurisdictional initiatives with the EPA, Department of Defense, and the White House helped strengthen FDA’s standing across state and federal institutions.

Before joining FDA, Will gained hands-on political experience working on campaigns across the country, developing a strong foundation in political communication and coalition-building. His professional achievements reflect a combination of strategic thinking, diplomatic acuity, and a deep understanding of how people and institutions work. He excels at cultivating relationships that deliver lasting policy change — always with sensitivity, personality, and humor.

Will earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University and a master’s in public affairs from Cornell, where he focused on human rights studies. His career continues to be driven by a commitment to impactful policy advocacy and a passion for public service.

Outside of work, Will is an avid long-distance runner and loves meeting new people and traveling — interests passed down from his grandmother. He is active in local civic engagement efforts and citizen-led initiatives to strengthen our democracy. He lives, and runs, in Southern California.