Overview

Shannon Meade is the executive director of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), where she advocates on behalf of the firm’s clients on legislative and regulatory issues before the Administration, the U.S. Congress and federal and state agencies. Shannon is a highly seasoned government affairs professional with an acute political acumen. With nearly two decades of experience working in senior roles on Capitol Hill and the private sector for prominent trade groups, she is adept at shaping public policy debates and developing strategic advocacy campaigns to advance legislative and regulatory priority issues. Her deep policy experience and vast network of contacts and relationships in Washington D.C. and across the nation uniquely equip her to advocate effectively on behalf of the firm’s clients. Over the last several years, she has been at the forefront of major labor and employment policy debates and has, more recently, led successful COVID-19 relief efforts for the hospitality industry. 

Additionally, Shannon is the executive director of the Emma Coalition, a WPI “future of work” initiative taking a prominent advocacy role in the growing fields of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and the gig economy; and the resulting effects of “technology-induced displacement of employees” (TIDE) in the workforce and workplace. The Coalition is actively engaged in policy development with key stakeholders and advocacy efforts with key lawmakers at both the federal and state levels of government. 

Prior to joining Littler, Shannon served as the vice president of public policy and legal advocacy for the National Restaurant Association, the leading business association for the restaurant and foodservice industry. She also served as the deputy director of the Restaurant Law Center, the legal arm of the Association, overseeing the planning and strategy of litigation and compliance assistance for its members. She also worked extensively with the Association’s Educational Foundation on workforce development programs in the areas of apprenticeship and second-chance hiring to secure federal funding for its programs.   

Previously, Shannon worked as a senior policy advisor at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where she was engaged in legislative and regulatory matters impacting the business community. She also served as chief of staff and legislative director to Congresswoman Kay Granger of Texas and as legislative counsel on the U.S. House Government Reform Committee to former members of Congress Jon Porter of Nevada and Tom Davis of Virginia.

* Not acting in the capacity of an attorney.

News, Analysis & Press

WPI Labor Day Report 2023

WPI Report

September 5, 2023

The Littler Annual Employer Survey 2023

Littler Report

May 10, 2023

Littler’s Annual Labor Day Report

Industry Today

September 7, 2022

WPI Labor Day Report 2022

WPI Report

September 5, 2022

Inflation Is Sending State Wage Floors Above $15 An Hour

Law360 Employment Authority

June 8, 2022

Minimum Wage Fight Is At An Inflection Point

Law360 Employment Authority

February 18, 2022

$15 Minimum Wage For State Employees Gaining Traction

Law360 Employment Authority

January 31, 2022

Speaking Engagements

View from Washington, DC: Federal Regulatory Update

American Hotel and Lodging Association, Owners Forum, Nashville, TN

October 4, 2023

State of Labor Relations in Hospitality

American Hotel and Lodging Association, Labor Relations Committee - Washington DC

September 26, 2023

Littler WPI Labor Day Report

Critical Labor Coalition - Washington, DC

September 12, 2023

ADA Website Shakedowns - What to Know Amid Stalled Regulations

National Association of State Chambers, Anchorage, AK

August 28, 2023

The American Workforce Transformation - Challenges and Opportunities

National Association of State Chambers, Anchorage, AK

August 27, 2023

The New Era of Divided Government: What are the implications for employers?

Littler Mid-Atlantic Regional Employer Conference, Washington D.C.

June 16, 2023

2023 Mid-Atlantic Regional Employer Conference

Washington, DC

June 16, 2023

The New Era of Divided Government: What are the implications for employers?

Littler Executive Employer Conference, Phoenix, AZ

May 11, 2023

Labor and Employment Policy Developments and Continuing Workforce Challenges

National Association of State Chambers, Boca Raton, FL

January 22, 2023

2022 Kansas City Regional Employer Conference

Kansas City, MO

July 28, 2022

WPI Insider Briefing: What to Expect in Year Two of the Biden Administration (and in the States!)

Littler Executive Employer Conference

May 5, 2022

Hospitality Industry Roundtable

Littler Executive Employer Conference

May 4, 2022

COVID-19 in the Workplace: Recent Developments and Compliance Challenges - Session 24

March 4, 2022

What to Expect in Year Two of the Biden Administration: WPI’s Labor and Employment Outlook

February 23, 2022

Education

  • J.D., George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School
  • B.A., Emory & Henry College