Bill Harper is a partner in Harper Downing LLC, a Minnesota based consulting firm specializing in strategic public policy advice and congressional appropriations. Harper Downing serves clients in sectors that include national security, manufacturing, and higher education. 

From 2001 to 2023, Harper served as chief of staff to Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN04) and supported her work as chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in the 117th Congress and chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee in the 116th Congress. For more than two decades, Harper managed policy, staff, and office priorities for Rep. McCollum in service of the constituents of Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District. 

Prior to Congress, Harper was manager of Betty McCollum’s first congressional campaign in 2000, helping Ms. McCollum become the second Minnesota woman elected to Congress in 142 years. Harper also operated a consulting business assisting local government, non-profit organizations, and companies in public policy matters.   

Harper served for five years as a Peace Corps volunteer working in rural Malawi (1995-98) establishing a community-based HIV/AIDS initiative and in rural Guatemala (1990-92) working in agriculture with small holder farmers.

Harper also served chief of staff to the Chairman Mark Andrew of the Hennepin County (MN) Board of Commissioners and as staff assistant to former-Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III. 

Bill Harper earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. He resides in St. Paul, MN with his wife and business partner Dr. Roberta Downing and their three children.