Engel Burns

Featured in the September 2011 issue of Ebony Magazine, Engel Burns discusses how he has been able to parlay his years of experience in politics, marketing, and health care into a successful career as a Washington lobbyist. As the Federal Account Director of Government Affairs at Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Engel Burns is in charge of leading the company’s legislative initiatives. In his role, Engel Burns aids in advancing legislation to further research in the treatment of respiratory conditions and central nervous system disorders. In the article in Ebony, Engel Burns also reveals his thoughts on what it takes to become a powerful player in the political arena.

Engel D. Burns works with health care corporations and government organizations in order to make a difference in his community. He has spent the last 15 years in the fields of health care and marketing, and his career in politics has spanned nearly two decades. According to Engel Burns, being a successful lobbyist requires personality as well as skills of persuasion; something he has learned working his way up from clinical laboratory assistant and teacher to entrepreneur and lobbyist.

Beginning his higher education at Howard University, Engel Burns completed his undergraduate program at the University of Maryland in Baltimore County, where he majored in Biology and minored in Ancient History. After college, he served as the Campaign Director of Citizens for Burns in 1994 for Dr. Emmett C. Burns Jr.’s election to the Maryland General Assembly. As campaign director, Engel Burns was also responsible for activities such as public relations, marketing, fund raising, and event planning. Engel Burns gained additional political experience as a legislative aide, helping to influence local legislation in the community. He has led the youth Ministry at Rising Sun First Baptist Church and has also served as a liaison to faith-based organizations.