Several lobbying firms are bolstering their ranks with prominent political figures and seasoned industry professionals. This influx of talent signals a robust demand for expert guidance in navigating the complex legislative landscape ahead.
Former Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA) has joined Alston & Bird's legislative and public policy group as a senior policy advisor. Ferguson, who served on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, brings substantial experience in areas such as Social Security and tax policy. His move underscores the strong demand for expertise in key policy areas. Similarly, Alex Graf, formerly a deputy assistant secretary for legislation at HHS, has joined the firm's healthcare group.
This trend of former officials entering the lobbying world is a familiar one, with hundreds of former members of Congress transitioning to lobbying firms. While former representatives face a one-year lobbying ban, their experience remains highly valued in shaping policy discussions, particularly regarding legislative battles like the potential extension of President Trump's 2017 tax cuts.
Dean Heller (R-Nev.), a former senator and congressman, has joined Venable LLP. Heller's extensive committee experience in Finance, Banking, Veterans' Affairs, Commerce, and Ways and Means makes him valuable as the legislative process for a new tax bill begins. Other notable additions to lobbying firms include Dianne Nellor (agriculture policy), Ashley Palmer (health policy), Andrew Rogers, and Andrew Wishnia (transportation) at Boundary Stone Partners. These strategic hires highlight the firms' focus on key industry sectors.
Vincent DeVito, former counselor to the secretary of Energy Policy under the first Trump administration, has joined Eckert Seamans. Mary Kosinski joins FleishmanHillard as global managing director of health and life sciences, bringing extensive experience from Pi Health, PhRMA, and HHS. These appointments further solidify firms' industry expertise. Tom Wotka, a former State Department official with extensive international experience, is now a senior policy advisor at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck also announced the opening of a new Tampa office, led by Melissa Kuipers Blake. Meanwhile, Husch Blackwell Strategies has expanded its presence, acquiring Harris Frazier Government Relations in Nashville. Smith Dawson & Andrews has rebranded as Smith Garson, with Brett Garson assuming the president and CEO role.
In other developments, ICBA Payments has appointed Rebecca Kruse as president and Juan Costantini as executive vice president and general counsel. Nneka Chiazor is the new president of the Public Affairs Council, and the organization also promoted several key staff members in advocacy, programs, database, and communications. K&L Gates and Holland & Knight have also announced several new partnerships, counselors, and advisors across their respective offices, indicating a broad hiring push across the lobbying industry.
