Public Service
Wendeen H. Eolis's introduction to politics and government dates back to her childhood at her father's annual poker parties at their country home. He was a senior New York State official responsible for developing bi-partisan support for executive chamber initiatives. She was six and not awed by meeting the governor, assembly speaker, or senate majority leader with whom her dad worked closely.
Following his footsteps, Wendeen has developed a wide range of political connections on both sides of the aisle. They led her into politics, positions as a public official, and frequently to adjunctive roles as a government advisor, envoy, or contracted consultant. Her political consulting activities and government affairs assignments have spanned 50+ years.
In each of her government assignments, Wendeen has acted as an independent thinker, especially on "hot potato" issues. As a special advisor to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and as first assistant to Governor Gorge Pataki Wendeen had opportunities to interact with city, state, and federal legislators and government department heads. As a result of those connections, Wendeen has advised high-level government officials in six presidential administrations.
Since 2002, Wendeen has been the Commander and Chief Operating Officer of Hope's Champion Task Force, a post-9/11 initiative, focusing primarily on the need for special counsel in the aftermath of terrorist incidents, violent events, and natural disasters.
Wendeen's Plan for HCTF
Wendeen reacted to 9/11 as a doer. Following President George W. Bush's visit to New York City, in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center, she connected with Secretary of State, General Colin Powell. He set her on a productive path that led to her positions as Chief Operating Officer and Civilian Commander of Hope's Champion Task Force.
In the fall of 2001, HCTF was established as a post-9/11 initiative designed to assist the United States and international government agencies in vetting lawyers and law firms for "special counsel" roles in the aftermath of terrorist attacks and other catastrophic events in the United States and overseas. Initially, Wendeen visited with government and business leaders and their representatives, in the trenches, to report on lawyers' assessments of potential legal issues lurking in the background for the United States and US allies.
At the helm of HCTF, from its inception, Wendeen has grown its due diligence teams to include 1500+ professionals available to participate in law firm and attorney vetting projects. As Commander of HCTF, Wendeen has been at the forefront of its missions to assist hundreds of US agencies and more than 20 foreign and overseas government agencies in hiring special counsel. Wendeen has also overseen the recommendation of law firm vetting teams to address government exposure in incidents of terrorism, violence, natural disasters, and recovery initiatives. Now, on senior status, she still looks upon this work as a labor of love and an extension of her career as a legal recruiter. And, she is also called upon to assist law firms and other vetting teams in introducing suitable lawyers for high-level positions in the federal government. Today, HCTF brings to the table, an imposing network of contacts for its global vetting operations.
Wendeen Takes Lessons in Political Science
At six she was not awed by meeting the New York State governor, assembly speaker, or senate majority leader with whom he worked closely as a high-level state official.
Her early exposure to politicians eased the way for her entry into the political maelstrom of the New York State government. In the 70s, while president of the Association of Personnel Consultants of NY, Wendeen connected and worked with NYS legislators, drafting legislation to overhaul a 1904 statute that addressed employment and recruiting fees. The collaboration was a success! Wendeen was credited as the leading force in overhauling New York State's employment agency statute.
In 1978 Wendeen met Rudy Giuliani shortly after completing an assignment to vet counsel for the New York Daily News. Patterson Belknap and Webb got the nod, Judge Harold Tyler was the pick, and his partner, Rudy, was part of the package. Soon after, Rudy began to consult with Wendeen on his career and political ambitions. In the late 80's and early 90's, she was part of his inner circle; both as a career advisor and as part of his kitchen cabinet during his first mayoralty campaign and his second one--which he won. After participating on Mayor Giuliani's transition team, Wendeen was a special advisor to the Mayor on public affairs, law department matters, and personnel issues during his first year in office.
Wendeen moved on to become the first woman ever appointed first assistant to the governor in New York State (under Governor George Pataki) in 1995. Her portfolio consisted of "special projects" as well as various confidential matters. Before and since leaving the Pataki administration, Wendeen has served as an outside special advisor to local and state agencies and officials.
Politics Comes to Her Doorstep
In the 70s, as the president of a large recruiting association, Wendeen was called by the membership to reach out to New York State legislators, in connection with the Association's interest in updating a state law that affected recruiting activities. Wendeen renewed family connections from her step-father's days as a high-level state official and she began to build new relationships with state politicians.
In the mid-80s, Rudy turned to Wendeen for career advice, soon becoming a member of his inner circle and then part of his “kitchen cabinet” during the '89 and '93 mayoral campaigns. Once elected, she was a key outside advisor with access, input, and sporadic influence during his first year as Mayor. She addressed communications and personnel issues and worked with the Corporation Counsel on reorganizing that office.
In the summer of 1994, Wendeen became reacquainted with George Pataki, a prior political connection who had become a gubernatorial candidate in the State of New York. George was seeking Rudy's endorsement. Wendeen became a discreet intermediary between George and Rudy, knowing that neither of them was enamored of the other and that both of them wanted to reorganize the state Republican party. She sought to unite them, but it was not to be. Rudy threw his support to George's rival. A falling out between Wendeen and Rudy was inevitable.
Wendeen is Appointed Top-Level State Official
Following the election of Governor Pataki, Wendeen accepted the appointment as senior advisor and first assistant to the Governor. In addition to responsibilities as a confidential senior aide and a representative of the Governor externally, her portfolio notably included two "hot potato" issues: rent stabilization legislation and Indian gaming and related tax matters.
Twists and Turns in Government Affairs
Wendeen's interest in public service dates back to the late 60s with a mission during President Richard Nixon's administration to represent "Vietnam Crisis" widows, in a bid to obtain college funding for their children. Following her Association-based lobbying efforts in Albany, NY, her chance meeting with Rudy Giuliani led her into the maelstrom of New York City politics.
During her stint as first assistant to the Governor of New York, Wendeen learned about the threat of terrorism on US shores. The New York City Governor's Office was initially housed in the World Trade Center; a bomb had been detonated a year earlier. On 9/11 Wendeen recognized, quickly the basic needs of the day; feeding firefighters and directing traffic to reach them. Days later she was part of a group that met President George W. Bush when he visited the City to comfort New Yorkers.
Months later Wendeen founded Hope's Champion Task Force; its role on the world stage has evolved to include vetting lawyers for high-level appointments and other unique assignments well beyond its original mandate. Today Wendeen holds "senior status" as a civilian task force commander. Her public service spans more than 50 years.
Notable Influencers in Wendeen's Public Service Career
Hope's Champion Task Force was the outcome of the example set by Wendeen's step-father, a highly placed New York State official, with more than three decades of public service. Wendeen's Dad toasted her decision to work for the governor of New York. Shortly before his passing, he expressed pride in taking learning of her leadership of HCTF, especially her inclusion of law students and other resources of her business, to boost the manpower for HCTF mandates.
Wendeen Works in the Room Where it Happens
Long before Wendeen joined David Axelrod and Karl Rove at a Special Event in New York, she had crossed paths with them on vetting projects during the Presidential administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Wendeen's commitment to government affairs projects is rooted in the issues rather than the politics that surround them.