Get to know Mike Watson 🎙️
Find the episode now on…
YouTube / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
Get to know Mike Watson from the American Petroleum Institute in a new episode of Capitol Spotlight, a video and audio podcast from CNCT.
Within the past few months, Mike started a new position as the Director of Federal Relations at the American Petroleum Institute (API). Prior to his new role, Mike worked at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation for four years, bringing his personal love of cars to a professional setting.
Starting on the Hill as an intern, then working on a campaign, and eventually in the first Trump Administration, Mike has built quite an impressive resume for himself. In this new episode, Mike speaks on his time as the Advance Lead for former Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. He describes advance work as "the best kept secret in town," letting him travel across the U.S., abroad, and even volunteer for events involving the president.
Get to know more about Mike...
🏠 Hometown: Deerfield, IL
🎓 College: Marquette University
🔗 CNCT with Mike about... Your favorite camping spots
Check out Mike's episode to hear about what makes advance work so great, his trips and experiences with the DOE, and his love for cars.
More about Mike 🚗
One of the perks of working in advance is the traveling you get to do! During his time as Advance Lead for former Secretary of Energy Brouillette, Mike was able to attend the G20 in Japan and take some domestic trips to DOE labs.
Mike also received the opportunity to volunteer for POTUS trips and, during a trip to a Ford plant, he got some face time with Bill Ford, the Executive Chair of the Ford Motor Company and great-grandson to Henry Ford. Mike's time with Bill and this trip to the Ford plant re-directed his career trajectory to the auto industry.
🚘 When you think of a "car guy," you may think of someone with a garage full of luxury cars. While Mike may think that's great and all, his ride or die is Lindsey – his 5-seater, manual hatchback he's had since he was 16. Mike loves Lindsey. "She" is 15 years old now and he's trying to keep her for as long as possible!
In case you were wondering though, Mike's dream car is a Porsche 911. Stiff competition for Lindsey.
If you're looking to connect with someone who you can chat about cars with, you should talk to Mike!