Author: Katie McHenry

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2023) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, today announced the formation of a new Sustainability, Nutrition, and Commodities Working Group within the existing Commerce and Infrastructure Practice. The new Sustainability, Nutrition, and Commodities Working Group will be led by BGR Principal Jennifer Lukawski and Vice President Keaghan Ames.

“BGR’s Commerce Practice has been engaged in legislative and regulatory efforts in nutrition and sustainability for many years now,” BGR President Erskine Wells said. “From navigating the Farm Bill to helping secure critical recycling infrastructure investments, the BGR team, led by Jennifer Lukawski, has been working with clients on these important issues to achieve successful outcomes. With the addition of Keaghan Ames earlier this year, we are now able to help clients track commodities issues like futures contracts and cryptocurrency. The Sustainability Nutrition, and Commodities Working Group will be a focal point within BGR for many key legislative battles ahead.”

Recognized by The Hill as one of the “Top Lobbyists,” Jennifer represents businesses and trade associations before Congress and the Executive Branch. She has successfully advocated for BGR clients in major legislative battles including PEPFAR authorization; the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act; the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; the 2018 Farm Bill; and COVID-19 relief packages. Among other issues, Jennifer is currently advising clients across a broad spectrum of industries on how to work with Washington on sustainability policies, including federal recycling initiatives. Prior to joining BGR, she served as Director of House Relations at The Heritage Foundation and as the first Executive Director of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) – at the time referred to as the Conservative Action Team (CATs).

Keaghan Ames, who joined BGR in early 2023, advises clients and advocates on financial services, agriculture, and tax matters. Prior to joining BGR Group, Keaghan worked at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as Senior Policy Advisor and Counselor to Commissioner Caroline D. Pham. Among his key responsibilities, Keaghan liaised with industry stakeholders as well as Senate and House Agriculture Committee staff on key policy priorities before the Commission. Keaghan has also worked on commodities, commodity-derivatives, and digital asset policy matters while working for the Institute of International Bankers, in-house at Credit Suisse, and clerking for CFTC Commissioner (Chairman) Giancarlo.

 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2023) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, today announced that Keaghan Ames has joined the firm as a Vice President in the Financial Services practice. In this role, he advises clients and advocates on financial services, agriculture, and tax matters.  

“Keaghan’s regulatory experience and policymaking expertise are second to none in Washington,” BGR Financial Services Practice Head Andy Lewin said. “We are excited to have Keaghan join the BGR team and provide his outstanding insights to BGR clients.” 

Prior to joining BGR Group, Keaghan worked at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as Senior Policy Advisor and Counselor to Commissioner Caroline D. Pham. Among his key responsibilities, Keaghan liaised with industry stakeholders as well as Senate and House Agriculture Committee staff on key policy priorities before the Commission.   

Previous to his time at the CFTC, Keaghan served as the Director of Government Affairs at the Institute of International Bankers (IIB), where he represented the U.S. operations of internationally headquartered financial institutions on capital markets, prudential, and tax policy matters before Congress and financial regulators. Keaghan led the organization’s congressional advocacy strategy during the budget reconciliation process.   

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