Washington, D.C. (February 18, 2026) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today that John P. Keast will join the firm as a Senior Advisor. With more than 30 years of experience in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House, private industry, and the non-profit think tank sector, John provides clients with a deep understanding of policy, politics, process, and people to create and implement results driven strategies.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to the BGR team as a Senior Advisor,” BGR Group President Erskine Wells said. “John has been a key player and valued strategist on crucial issues including defense, commerce, industrial base development, telecommunications, and transportation policies for more than three decades. Few can match his policy depth, political acumen, and personal relationships with members, staff, and leadership both on Capitol Hill and in the administration. He will be a tremendous asset to the firm.”
John is the founder of Keast Strategic Solutions, LLC, which provides clients with a unique blend of strategic and tactical counsel in dealing with Congress as well as federal departments and agencies.
He previously served three years as the Republican Staff Director of the Senate Committee on Armed Services after having served four years as the staff director on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Working with the Chairman and Senators on the committees, he formulated strategies and agendas to execute Congressional oversight, policy hearings, presidential appointed confirmation processes, legislative markups, and investigations. In those roles, he led teams of professional staff and counsels to execute policy initiatives within the committee’s jurisdiction.
Prior to his service on the Commerce Committee, John served 13 years as a partner, Principal and Director at Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc. From 1995 to 2006, he served as then-Rep. Roger Wicker’s chief of staff in the U.S. House of Representatives. His experience prior to Capitol Hill includes working at a non-profit think tank specializing in state and local policy, and as a staff member for the Virginia House of Delegates.
