William Shouldice & Associates LLC provides strategic guidance and representation to clients seeking to establish and maintain effective relationships with Vermont state government. Drawing on decades of experience in politics, private industry, government, and professional associations, the firm assists clients in understanding the legislative and regulatory landscape, identifying opportunities, and advancing policy objectives with clarity and confidence. The firm’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, associations, entrepreneurs, and organizations seeking experienced and thoughtful counsel.

The firm provides comprehensive and responsive representation in Vermont state government, beginning with a clear advocacy strategy tailored to each client’s objectives. Clients receive practical counsel, consistent communication, and sustained support across the following services:

• Developing legislative relationships: With more than 30 years of experience in the Vermont legislative process, the firm assists clients in engaging appropriate decision-makers and navigating interactions with statewide elected officials, state legislators, and the executive branch.
• Providing timely legislative and regulatory insight: The firm keeps clients informed and prepared with timely updates on legislation and regulatory developments that may affect their interests, particularly during periods when decisions are advancing quickly.
• Building effective coalitions: The firm helps clients identify potential allies, develop productive coalitions, and strengthen support for shared legislative objectives.
• Preparing for legislative hearings: The firm works closely with clients and their partners to prepare for legislative committee hearings, including guidance on testimony, background on key decision-makers, and support for allies who may testify on a client’s behalf.
• Shaping public messaging: The firm collaborates with clients and their public relations teams to develop clear and effective messaging that supports legislative objectives and positions clients to participate constructively in public policy discussions.

Through every engagement, the firm is committed to providing the insight, access, and sustained support clients need to advocate effectively in Vermont.

FIRM SPECIALTY

Our firm helps clients navigate complex legislative and regulatory matters with strategic insight, responsive service, meticulous attention to detail, and relationships built over decades. Many clients have partnered with the firm for more than 30 years—a reflection of WSA’s commitment to timely, tailored advocacy in Vermont and beyond.

TAG CONTACTS

Heather F. Shouldice, President
Heather draws on deep expertise in Vermont’s legislative and regulatory processes to develop advocacy strategies aligned with each client’s goals. She represents clients at the state, national, and international levels, providing issue research, legislative briefings, testimony preparation, and real-time strategic communications.

Before joining WSA, Heather owned a successful retail business for more than 25 years and served as an Independent in the Vermont House of Representatives, where she caucused with the Democrats. Together, her business and legislative experience shape a practical, consensus-building approach grounded in strong relationships across Vermont.

Heather is the incoming President of The Advocacy Group, a 50-state and international government relations network co-founded by her father in 1992. Her additional leadership and civic roles include serving as a Northfield Savings Bank Corporator, longtime Chair of the Capital Complex Commission, and past President of the Montpelier Rotary Club. She is also a member of the Lake Dunmore Fern Lake Association, Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and Vermont Retail & Grocers Association.

Emma S. Boardman, Government Affairs Associate
Emma supports clients by monitoring legislative activity, analyzing political developments, and translating those developments into clear strategic guidance. Drawing on her background in government affairs and Vermont campaigns, she helps clients anticipate emerging issues, understand their implications, and engage effectively with policymakers and stakeholders.

In her work as a Vermont campaign manager, Emma developed and executed strategy, coordinated stakeholders, and translated policy priorities into effective public messaging. Her earlier experience includes positions with Congressman David Cicilline’s office and Advocacy Solutions LLC, both in Rhode Island, where she gained experience in constituent services, legislative and budget analysis, policy research, committee tracking, and client engagement.

Emma is committed to giving back to her community and serves on the South Burlington Economic Development Committee. South Burlington, Vermont’s second-largest city, is home to Burlington International Airport and is becoming an important economic driver in Chittenden County.

Cheri L. L’Esperance, Operations/Client Services Manager
Since joining WSA in 2009, Cheri has served as its operational backbone, providing the systems, organization, and responsive support that keep clients informed and effectively served. She oversees technology and legislative tracking, delivers timely updates and actionable insights, and helps clients file lobbying disclosures accurately and on schedule. Previously, she led national IT consulting teams and managed complex client engagements at a Big Four accounting firm.