“We are very excited to have Anita on the board,” said Dan Mica, Chairman. “She has accomplished much in her professional life, and we’re delighted she’ll bring her energy and skills to CMF. As CMF continues to grow as an organization, we’ll need people like Anita willing to share her wisdom and experience to guide our development,” he said.
Founded in 1977, CMF (www.CongressFoundation.org) is a 501c(3) nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Congress and its Members meet the evolving needs and expectations of an engaged and informed 21st century citizenry. Its work focuses on improving congressional operations and enhancing citizen engagement through research, publications, training, and management services. The organization produces the biannual Gold Mouse Awards for the best websites on Capitol Hill, and in 2011 more than 350 congressional offices participated in a CMF professional development program.
In commenting on her appointment, Ms. Estell said, “Being elected to the CMF Board of Directors during this dynamic and profoundly relevant time in our nation’s ever unfolding story is an extraordinary and humbling honor. The vision and mission of CMF are critical to good governance. I look forward to working with Chairman Mica and other Board members to support the CMF mission and strengthen its programs in ways that are most relevant to Congress and the diverse communities it serves.”
At Polsinelli, Ms. Estell is responsible for client development and managing a broad spectrum of client issues, including federal spending and tax policy generally with a focus on management of a client portfolio that has exceeded $2 billion annually in federally funded or tax-exempted programs. Ms. Estell’s experience also includes general municipal representation, transportation, infrastructure and water resources, community development, electric vehicles, higher education, telecommunications, science and technology, minority health, international affairs, defense, homeland security, energy and environment and other areas.
Ms. Estell is a former Clinton appointee serving as Chief of Staff to Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole on the Clinton/Gore Transition Team and as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Richard Riley. Prior to working with the Clinton administration, Ms. Estell served on the House Appropriations Committee. She was appointed to that position in 1987 by Rep. Louis Stokes (D-Ohio) and served five years.
In addition to her experience in Congress and with the Clinton administration, Ms. Estell spent her early years as an attorney practicing communications law where she gained extensive experience in managing cases related to telecommunications policy, contract negotiation, minority ownership and First Amendment issues. Prior to becoming an attorney, Ms. Estell received her early training as a reporter and anchor in both television and radio.
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