Our Team

Heather F. Shouldice

Heather is the President of William Shouldice & Associates LLC, having recently taken over the reins from Bill, her Father.  Heather represents the firm in both the Legislative and Regulatory arenas representing Vermont & National clients. Heather directs the planning and implementation of custom designed legislative strategies including issues research and monitoring constituency management, decision-maker briefings, and expert testimony.  Prior to joining the firm, Heather owned a local retail operation for more than 20 years and also served in the Vermont Legislature as a member of the House of Representatives serving on the Ways & Means Committee.

Heather’s successes have been the direct result of her ability to consensus build and  developing relationships in a true tri-partisan manner. Heather lives in Montpelier and was the former co-owner and operator of The Country Store in Montpelier for over 20 years. Heather is the past-President of the Montpelier Rotary Club & member since 1996.  She has served as a Corporator for the Northfield Savings Bank since 2001 and is currently the vice-chair of public policy with the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce.  Heather has been the Chair of the Capital Complex Commission Since 2005.

Heather is a life-long Vermonter, attending school in central Vermont and later went on to study business management at Paul Smith’s College and St. John Fischer College.   Heather is past Club Champion at Neshobe Golf Club and enjoys water skiing, snowshoeing and alpine skiing.

William C. Shouldice III

Bill is the Founder of William Shouldice & Associates LLC, forming the firm in 1988.  Prior to that, Bill represented the insurance industry as the Government Relation Liaison for 15 years. Bill has spent the past 25 years building a strong foundation for his firm through his long-standing relationships with legislators and state government officials from all political parties.   The firm’s client base is widely diversified, including multi-national and national companies, as well as associations representing an array of enterprises, including start-up ventures. William Shouldice & Associates LLC also participates actively in national associations of government advocacy groups.

To his clients he is known as the "quarterback",  Bill directs planning and implementation of custom designed legislative strategies.  These strategies include issue research and monitoring, traditional "lobbying"  as well as "grassroots" support and media campaigns.  Through his extensive experience, Bill has developed a big reservoir of knowledge of many industries, the marketplace, the legislative and regulatory processes, and how to define and accomplish positive advocacy experiences for the firm and clients. He has watched the political arena with a close eye through two generations of government leaders. He has witnessed many changes in Vermont; Administrations, agency leaders, policy and many budget resolutions.

 When Bill began his career, the nation was at war, with a Republican in the White House for the first time in several years, and Vermont had a Democrat as governor. The legislative power was a closely balanced seesaw that could tip either way on nearly any issue. The economy nationally and in Vermont was in recession. And the big issue confronting the Vermont Legislature was how to balance the budget. All very similar to the challenges we face today.

Cheri L. L'Esperance

Prior to joining William Shouldice & Associates LLC, Cheri worked for one of the “Big 4” accounting firms as a Project Manager providing IT consulting, troubleshooting, server management as well as complete telephone infrastructure and equipment management.  She has led projects companywide across the US, managing more than a dozen on her team. Cheri also oversaw the design and planning for the construction of a new office as it pertains to the installation and management of the LAN space.

Cheri brings her technology skills to William Shouldice & Associates LLC and provides legislative bill tracking and reporting for "up to the minute" communications with clients. She handles all the day to day activities in the office as well as direct client contact. If you have a question or need information, Cheri will track it down for you. Cheri lives in Montpelier, is a native Vermonter, attending school in the Franklin County school system and later went on to Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont for US Canadian Studies while playing on the tennis, soccer and basketball teams. 

 

Heather F. Shouldice

William C. Shouldice III Cheri L. L'Esperance