For over 20 years, Stuart has successfully advocated for clients in federal policy areas including energy, the environment, transportation, and infrastructure. Drawing on her comprehensive experience on Capitol Hill, Stuart uses a collaborative approach to tackle complex regulatory and legislative challenges for her clients, focusing on garnering broad bipartisan support to ensure successful outcomes. Her leadership in coalition-building is a key feature of the firm’s public policy practice. Stuart has represented a diverse group of industry associations, nonprofits, and companies, with a particular focus on issues in the electric and energy sectors, coastal restoration, and securing federal funding. She also provides strategic guidance and federal advocacy advice to the President of the Large Public Power Council, which represents 28 of the nation's largest public power systems. Her role includes enhancing the association’s engagement with key federal policy makers and identifying and pursuing legislative opportunities.
Stuart joined Van Ness Feldman after working for seven years in the office of U.S. Representative Richard H. Baker (R-LA), including as the Congressman’s Legislative Director. Stuart staffed the Congressman on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee issues and assisted in negotiations during the House-Senate conference on the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. As a Senior Legislative Assistant, Stuart handled appropriations requests, special projects and assisted with hurricane recovery and response in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.