BGR Group Names Ed Rogers Co-Chair of Advisory Board

BGR GROUP NAMES ED ROGERS CO-CHAIR OF ADVISORY BOARD 

Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2024) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s, premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, today announced that Ed Rogers, one of the firm’s Founding Partners, has been named Co-Chair of its Advisory Board. BGR’s Advisory Board has become a key part of the firm’s offering to clients. John McIntyre, CEO of RealClearPolitics, will continue to serve as a Co-Chair.  

Comprised of policy experts and leaders in their field, the board provides strategic guidance on issues ranging from financial services to health care to foreign policy and to the political environment. As Co-Chair, Ed will lead the efforts to expand the board’s offering and availability to clients. As part of this new role, Ed will also help enhance the firm’s Advisory Services offering, which includes strategic counsel, crisis communications, and global political risk management. In addition to his position with the Advisory Board, Ed remains actively engaged with BGR’s International and Trade Practice Group. 

“BGR’s Advisory Board is unique because of its depth and breadth of commercial, policy and political expertise,” BGR Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “As a founder of our firm, Ed has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to innovating for our clients. He will continue that spirit of innovation in this new role.” 

“BGR represents the best of the best and our Advisory Board is no exception,” Founding Partner Ed Rogers said. “I look forward to working more closely with our board members and BGR leadership to expand engagements with our firm and clients.” 

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Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Kickoff Luncheon Recap

Earlier this week, BGR Group hosted a successful kickoff luncheon to celebrate the Congressional Black Caucus’s Annual Legislative Conference, featuring CBC Executive Director Vincent Evans. Vince shared first-hand insights from the CBC’s newly released Corporate Accountability report, What Good Looks Like, which outlines how corporations can better partner on priority issues to help close the racial economic gap. Key report highlights include actionable steps for improving diversity in leadership, expanding economic opportunities for minority communities, and fostering long-term accountability. The report also answers the question that many corporations had about how to determine what “good” looks like.

The lunch, attended by administration officials, Hill staff, clients, and local stakeholders, underscored the CBC’s conference theme, “Vision to Victory.” As Vince emphasized, achieving true corporate accountability isn’t just about policy — it’s about turning our collective vision into measurable victory for underserved communities. This event provided a timely and important opportunity to reflect on how corporations can move beyond commitments to drive meaningful progress.

AmChams of Asia-Pacific DC Door Knock 2024 Highlights

This week, BGR Group was proud to help support the AmChams of Asia Pacific’s (AAP) annual Door Knock in Washington.

The group of 45 participants from AAP countries, including Australia, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, met with U.S. policymakers to discuss the AAP’s role in advancing American commercial interests in the Asia-Pacific, sharing their perspectives from the frontlines for U.S. commercial diplomacy and addressing issues of mutual concern. The AmChams of the AAP serve as ambassadors representing the business community to promote standards and values in the region.

Led by AAP Chair Steve Okun, the delegation met with executive branch department and agency officials, including Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink, Deputy Assistant Secretary Lailee Moghtader from Treasury, Chief IPEF Negotiator Sharon Yuan (who received the 2024 Door Knock Delegation Award) from the Commerce Department, Deputy Assistant USTR Bart Thanhauser, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, White House Director of Public Engagement Mayor Steve Benjamin, and Commerce Under Secretary Marisa Lago. The second day at the U.S. Capitol included meetings with Senator Mark Kelly (AZ), who also received an AAP Door Knock Award; Representatives Carol Miller (WV), Rob Wittman (VA), Ami Bera (CA), Young Kim (CA), Haley Stevens (MI), and Buddy Carter (GA); and staff members for Speaker Mike Johnson (LA), the House China Select Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee, bipartisan staff of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Chris Coons’ (DE) staff.

The AAP delegates also met with several think tanks, including the America First Policy Institute and Heritage Foundation, and received political briefings from former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe; Mark Penn, Chairman of the Harris Poll; former Bush White House Political Director Sarah Fagen and former Biden 2020 Campaign Manager Greg Schultz; and BGR’s Jonathan Mantz and Loren Monroe.

BGR Group Welcomes Chamber’s Scott Eisner to Bipartisan International Practice

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2023) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premiere lobbying and public affairs firm, is welcoming Scott Eisner, a highly accomplished executive with over two decades of experience at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as a Senior Vice President with the International and Trade Practice on November 1st. With his extensive global business knowledge, deep legislative and executive branch ties, and trade policy expertise, Scott is a powerful addition to the firm’s already robust bipartisan team.

“BGR is well known and well regarded for its international work and Scott will be a tremendous asset to the team,” BGR International Practice Co-Head Lester Munson said. “Scott’s in-depth knowledge of international market dynamics and his proven track record of strategic advocacy places BGR Group at the forefront of delivering impactful, tailored solutions to our clients worldwide, particularly in Africa. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Scott joins BGR from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where he served as a Senior Vice President and most recently, President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center (USAfBC), the business community’s leading advocacy group aimed at strengthening U.S.-Africa trade relations. In this role, he directed the strategic activities of the Chamber’s USAfBC as it engaged with senior-level U.S. government officials, international business leaders, and African governments. He is also a former member of the U.S. Trade Representative’s Trade Advisory Committee on Africa. Previously, Eisner was head of operations for the Chamber’s International Affairs Division and vice president, African Affairs. Before that, he was deputy chief of staff at the Chamber, where he oversaw the Executive Office and was the senior staffer to the Chamber’s president and CEO. He began his career at the Chamber as director of programs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, formerly known as the National Chamber Foundation.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Eisner had a diverse career across multiple sectors, including time in politics working on Sen. John McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign and his reelection to the Senate in 2004. He worked for the International Republican Institute in Malawi, Africa, where he trained political parties on communications and campaign tactics. He was also director of business development for the Kronk Boxing Gym, home to numerous world champions, including Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns and Lennox Lewis.

In 2019, Eisner was selected to be a Presidential Leadership Scholar, a program that brings together bold and principled leaders who are committed to facing critical challenges, both at home and around the world, and who are interested in exploring lessons learned during the administrations of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Scott currently serves on the advisory board for City Year South Africa, Africa Leadership Academy USA, the Woodrow Wilson Center Africa Program Advisory Council, and The George Washington University – Elliott School of International Affairs.

Eisner graduated with a degree in political science from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and two daughters.

BGR Group Supports the People of Israel

BGR Group Welcomes Labriah Lee Holt to Bipartisan Advocacy Team

BGR GROUP WELCOMES LABRIAH LEE HOLT TO BIPARTISAN ADVOCACY TEAM

WILL BE BASED IN ATLANTA AND FOCUS ON STATE AND LOCAL OUTREACH

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2023) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, today announced that Labriah Lee Holt is joining the State and Local Advocacy Practice as a Vice President. She will be based in Atlanta, Georgia, and focus on building the firm’s bipartisan client work with state and local officials, including Governors, Attorneys General, state legislators, and mayors. She will also contribute to the firm’s Democratic outreach across all levels of government.

“BGR is rooted in the belief that the best policies come from state and local decision-makers,” former Governor and BGR Founder Haley Barbour said. “And tomorrow’s leaders in Washington serve as mayors, state legislators, Attorneys General, and Governors today. Labriah will help BGR’s bipartisan advocacy team continue servicing our clients with her deep issue expertise and critical relationships.”

Labriah brings to BGR her extensive state and local government advocacy experience across corporate, association, legal, and government settings. Most recently, she served as State Government Affairs Director for Microsoft, where she led outreach across the southeast to regional state and local officeholders on artificial intelligence, cloud adoption, datacenter expansion, cyber security, privacy, education, and broadband priorities. Through her expertise in partner engagement, Labriah also helped shape the company’s bipartisan relationships with the United States Conference of Mayors (USCOM), Attorneys General Associations, and served on the Business Council of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) to help strengthen public and private relationships to advance communities.

“Mayors are on the front lines of addressing the most pressing public policy challenges,” former Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Stephen Benjamin said. “During my three terms as mayor as well as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Labriah consistently brought me ideas and solutions. Her grasp of complex issues and understanding of the interplay between local leaders and federal decision-makers makes her particularly effective.”

“Labriah’s contributions to our team have been invaluable,” said Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft. “She skillfully navigated a complex political landscape to advocate for the company’s legislative priorities. Her leadership, creativity, and passion have inspired me and many others, and I am confident that she will continue to excel with her new endeavor.”

Speaker Joanna McClinton of Pennsylvania House of Representatives said: “Labriah’s continued success is a testament to her unparalleled work ethic, persistence, and professionalism. Her irreproachable character and exceptional experience make her an asset for any organization focused on advancing thoughtful policies through bipartisanship and people first advocacy.”

“Labriah brings a tremendous amount of industry experience to the BGR team,” BGR Principal and State & Local Advocacy Practice Head Loren Monroe said. “Her work advocating in state capitals and city halls across the country on technology sector priorities gives her a unique and unparalleled perspective. We are excited to have her on board.”

Before joining Microsoft, Labriah worked with federal, state, and local leaders throughout the country to advance policy focused on the U.S.-Israel relationship as AIPAC’s National Director of Outreach for African American Constituencies. During that time, she was recognized by the New York State Assembly and received a Congressional Proclamation from former Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) for her work and service within the NYC community. Labriah began her career at Alston & Bird LLP, where she served as a Senior Associate focused on intellectual property. In this role, she counseled Fortune 100 companies and nonprofit organizations on patent, trademark, copyright, social media, and brand protection matters.

Labriah attended Vanderbilt University and the Howard University School of Law, where she excelled as a merit scholar and member of the Howard Law Journal.  Labriah is passionate about economic mobility and connecting Metro Atlanta residents to sustainable wage careers in quality jobs.  She currently serves on the board of CareerRise, an organization that focuses on meeting employer needs for talent. She previously served on the Black Women’s Health Imperative board and as Vice Chair of the advisory board for the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project.  She is also a LEAD Atlanta graduate and former member of the Anti-Defamation League’s Charles F. Wittenstein Advisory Committee, the Atlanta Citizen Review Board, and Gen 44 Atlanta Finance Committee for the DNC.

“BGR is a trusted, world-class organization, and I am proud to join them in advancing the work of the bipartisan State and Local Advocacy Practice,” Labriah commented. “As an Atlanta native, I am thrilled to see the company expand its footprint to one of the fastest growing cities in the country, in the number one state for doing business. I am eager to work alongside the bipartisan BGR team and bring my policy and coalition building skills to help clients get results.”

 

BGR Group Welcomes Syd Terry, Former Chief of Staff to Key House Progressive Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 6, 2023) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, today announced that Syd Terry, former chief of staff to Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), has joined the firm as a Vice President in the Commerce and Infrastructure Practice. Syd will focus on issues related to telecommunications, consumer protections, and competition policy both on Capitol Hill and in the administration, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

“Syd will be an incredible asset to BGR and our clients,” Commerce and Infrastructure Practice Co-Head Justin Rzepka said. “His time on Capitol Hill with Representative Schakowsky and the Energy and Commerce Committee provides him with extensive experience in several key issue areas ranging from consumer rights to trade. We are thrilled to have Syd join the team.”

In his time with Representative Schakowsky, who serves as Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, Syd led all legislative, policy, communications, and constituent services strategies for her including her work as a Member on House Budget Committee. He first joined Rep. Schakowsky’s office in 2019 as Legislative Director and led her policy work related to the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. In that role he coordinated policy relating to interstate and foreign commerce, including all trade matters within the jurisdiction of the full committee, consumer protection, regulation of commercial practices, and consumer product safety.

As part of Rep. Schakowsky’s staff, Syd played a key role in the negotiation of the INFORM Consumer Act, the first FTC rulemaking bill signed into law this century, which was supported by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AFL-CIO, Consumer Reports, RILA, and the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers (PASS Coalition). He was also Rep. Schakowsky’s lead staffer in her capacity as one of Speaker Pelosi’s appointees to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade negotiations.

Syd started his Capitol Hill career with Senators Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Carl Levin (D-MI). He also worked on the campaigns of Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and then Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), who was elected to the House in 2012 and later served as Co-Chair of the Progressive Caucus. Syd joined Pocan’s Congressional office where he served as a Senior Legislative Assistant. In this capacity, he served as the primary labor, energy, and environmental policy staffer for a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

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