Engel Burns is a senior government affairs and healthcare policy leader with more than two decades of experience shaping legislative, regulatory, public affairs, and public relations strategies -- on the state, federal and international levels. He has advised and represented global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies before Congress, federal agencies, governors’ offices, and state legislatures, driving measurable outcomes in access to care, reimbursement policy, health equity, and corporate reputation.

​

Harvard MPA, Policy Strategist
Engel holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he focused on cost-benefit analysis, policy analysis, statistics, and strategic communications. This Harvard training undergirds his ability to translate complex policy environments into practical, bipartisan strategies that resonate with policymakers, stakeholders, media, and executive leadership.​

​

Deep State & Federal Reach
Engel’s portfolio spans a wide range of policy domains at both state and federal levels, including healthcare policy (Medicaid, Medicare, drug pricing, access and reimbursement, health equity); trade and market access issues affecting life sciences and related industries; public sector procurement, including strategies related to coverage, formulary placement, and public purchasing decisions; tax and budget policy as it intersects with healthcare programs, innovation, and patient access; and regulatory engagement with agencies such as HHS, FDA, and CMS, as well as collaboration with advocacy coalitions and advisory boards. He has managed national portfolios that integrate federal and state lobbying, external consultants, and field-based advocacy teams, coordinating multi-stakeholder town halls, coalition-building, and public education campaigns in key markets. His leadership has included directing cross-functional public affairs and corporate communications teams to align messaging, media engagement, and stakeholder outreach with policy objectives.

​

Featured Work & Recognition
Engel’s work and leadership have been featured through public profiles and recognitions in prominent policy and public service circles, including national conference programs and congressional event materials. He has been highlighted for his contributions to health equity, oncology advocacy, public relations, and public‑private partnerships in materials associated with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and related national convenings. His public service and bipartisan engagement on Capitol Hill and in state capitals have also been noted in leading political and policy outlets over the course of his career.

​

Healthcare, Trade, Tax & PR Experience
Across his career in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health advocacy, Engel has led legislative and public affairs strategies that influenced value assessments and improved market positioning for innovative therapies; partnered with members of Congress, the Congressional Tri-Caucus, and national coalitions to advance health equity, minority health, and patient-centered policy solutions; launched and led corporate PAC efforts, ensuring compliance while exceeding fundraising and engagement targets; and designed and executed integrated public relations and public affairs campaigns featuring elected officials and community leaders to expand screening, education, and access to care.

​

Impact at The Watts Group
At TWG, Engel brings his Harvard training and extensive record of government engagement to support clients navigating complex policy, communications, and reputation landscapes on various issues, including healthcare, trade, procurement and tax. He helps organizations anticipate policy shifts, shape public narratives, build durable relationships with policymakers, and drive strategies that align business objectives with public policy, stakeholder engagement, and brand impact.