Elizabeth Hurley Burks

Elizabeth Burks brings a wealth of experience to her role as Managing Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy, with an impressive career spanning over three decades. Her 18 years as a Capitol Hill staffer, and an additional 14 in government affairs consulting in the private sector, have equipped her with a profound understanding of the legislative process and politics as well as a robust network of strong relationships.

Elizabeth has successfully guided corporations, trade associations, and nonprofits to achieve success in a wide range of policy areas, including energy, appropriations, transportation, chemical and life sciences, trade, and tax. As Steptoe's lead Senate Democratic advisor, she provides key strategic counsel on navigating the Senate Democratic Caucus and identifying key allies. 

Elizabeth is renowned for her impeccable professionalism, strong work ethic, and keen discernment.  She has an exceptional and natural ability to read a room and pays meticulous attention to every detail of a client’s issue or project – a skill honed during her tenure as a chief of staff and legislative director in the US Senate and House. Her candid yet diplomatic approach has earned her the trust of clients and Hill staff alike.  Notably, she has been named to The Hill's "Top Lobbyists" list for the past five years.

During her six years as chief of staff for US Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Elizabeth managed the senator's legislative, communications, and political agendas.  She played a pivotal role influencing major policy debates during Senator Lincoln's tenure as a key moderate in the Senate, chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and senior member of the Senate Finance and Energy Committees.  

Elizabeth began her Hill career as legislative assistant to Senator Lincoln during her time as a US Representative, managing her health care-related work for the Health and Environment Subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee.

She later served as legislative director then chief of staff for Representative Jim Turner (D-TX), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee as well as a member of the House National Security Committee, for which Elizabeth handled his defense portfolio. During her time with Rep. Turner, she also acted as the principal contact for the Blue Dog Coalition of moderate-to-conservative Democrats when Representative Turner served as administrative co-chair.