This month BGR Group celebrates significant work anniversaries for three of our colleagues – Loren Monroe, who heads our State and Local Advocacy Practice, Bill Viney, who heads our Appropriations practice, and Katie McHenry, who supports our Commerce and Infrastructure practice. Thank you for your commitment and dedication over the years!
Category: Blog
BGR Group Establishes Nashville Office, Blake Harris to Lead
Firms join forces on education, health care, economic development and financial services.
Washington, D.C. (February 18, 2025) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, has formally expanded into Tennessee with a new Nashville office focused on education, health care, economic development, and financial services to be led by Managing Director Blake Harris of BHA Strategy, a former aide to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. This Nashville partnership will join existing BGR offices in Austin, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia in providing BGR clients integrated advocacy services at the federal, state and local levels.
“Blake Harris and the BHA Strategy team have been working closely with BGR Group for the last year to bolster our federal practice and provide expertise in state-level advocacy, corporate intelligence, and economic development,” said Bob Wood, Chairman and CEO of BGR Group. “We welcome Blake as a Managing Director and look forward to working together on new initiatives that encompass the BHA team’s background, particularly in K-12 and higher education as well as health care and financial services.”
“BGR Group is recognized as a battle-tested firm no matter how much the political and operational landscape changes,” said CEO of BHA Strategy Blake Harris. “We look forward to bringing our technology portfolio and deep knowledge of state governments, school districts, and their respective funding priorities to help clients navigate significant shifts at the federal level and how to seamlessly adjust.”
BHA Strategy will also launch a new education practice, marking a significant expansion into business consulting and strategic impact, distinct from its existing government and public affairs practice. Meghan McLeroy, BHA’s Senior Vice President of Education, will lead the initiative, bringing 12 years of cabinet-level experience from the Tennessee Department of Education, where she shaped K-12 policy, literacy reform, and large-scale education initiatives. This new practice group will focus on helping education companies, institutions, and stakeholders navigate market positioning, growth strategy, and product implementation, and comes on the heels of BHA Strategy’s role in expanding universal school choice in Tennessee.
“We have decades of bipartisan experience working with governors, attorneys general, as well as mayors and, increasingly, we are seeing the most impactful changes occur at the state and local levels,” said BGR Principal and head of the State and Local Advocacy Practice Loren Monroe. “Tennessee has the right combination of effective governance and booming economic development which is why we see significant opportunities to grow in Nashville.”
In addition to BGR Group’s Tennessee-based operation, Chris Kelly recently joined BGR’s Health and Life Science Practice as a Vice President from the office of Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN) where he led the Senator’s health policy portfolio since 2022. He works with health care clients in both the Nashville and Washington regions. With a long-standing legacy of innovation and leadership, Nashville has cemented its status as a global epicenter for health care entrepreneurship and management.
About BGR Group (www.bgrdc.com)
Founded in 1991, BGR Group is a premier government affairs and public relations firm with offices in Washington, D.C., London, Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia and Nashville. Consistently ranked a Bloomberg Government “Standout” Firm, BGR specializes in three key areas: bipartisan government affairs, strategic communications, and business advisory services. BGR brings together some of the most accomplished policy experts, public opinion influencers, and issue advocates from across the political spectrum.
About BHA Strategy (BHA Strategy)
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, BHA Strategy is a full-service, strategic consulting firm providing expertise in government affairs, public relations, and corporate intelligence. With deep roots in both political campaigns and public service, BHA’s team applies winning campaign strategies and senior advisor expertise to the biggest challenges facing startups, corporations, and causes. BHA retains a political skill set that includes public opinion research, digital marketing, and media production/placement. The firm’s core focus is multi-state government affairs, strategic communication, and reputation management.
BGR Group Welcomes Marvin Figueroa
Marvin B. Figueroa Joins BGR Group as a Vice President
With Critical State and Federal Experience, Will Focus on Medicaid Policy
Washington, D.C. (February 7, 2025) – BGR Group, a premier bipartisan government affairs and strategic advisory firm, announced today that Marvin B. Figueroa is joining the firm as a Vice President in the Health and Life Sciences practice. He comes to BGR following his role as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator from California Laphonza Butler. With a background in healthcare policy at the state and federal levels, Marvin will work within the Access and Reimbursement Team.
“Marvin brings exceptional health care policy knowledge and a demonstrated ability to work with broad sets of stakeholders to drive meaningful change,” said BGR Chairman and CEO Bob Wood. “His experience working at the intersection between federal and state health policy, specifically on Medicaid, will be invaluable to our clients navigating complex regulatory and legislative challenges. We are excited to welcome Marvin to the firm.”
Senator Butler said, “As my Chief of Staff, Marvin showed an extraordinary ability to face tough challenges head-on and deliver real results. He knows how to navigate both the halls of Congress and the federal government with skill and clarity, and he leads with purpose and conviction. Marvin is a problem solver, a bridge builder, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to excel.”
Prior to his work in the Senate, Marvin led the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS), Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (OIEA), where he reported directly to Secretary Xavier Becerra. In this role, he worked with all HHS staff and operating divisions, along with health and human services groups and state, local, and tribal governments across the county to advance the Secretary’s priorities. He also managed ten regional offices, ensuring alignment with national health initiatives.
Marvin’s career spans federal and state government leadership, including serving as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia where he helped lead the expansion of Medicaid to cover 500,000 more Virginians. He also spearheaded efforts to improve behavioral health services and strengthen the state’s healthcare and social services programs. He also served as Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s Legislative Director, advising the Governor on a range of issues.
Marvin’s public policy career began in the office of U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) managing the health, education, and workforce portfolios. In this role he focused on bipartisan solutions to addressing chronic care.
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BGR Welcomes Jen Brown
JEN BROWN JOINS BGR GROUP AS VICE PRESIDENT
Will focus on financial services, digital assets, and tax policy
Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2025) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premiere bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today Jen Brown is joining the firm as a Vice President in its Financial Services Practice. A seasoned veteran of both the Legislative and Executive Branch, Jen will help clients navigate the complex regulatory and political landscape of financial services, digital assets, retirement/ERISA, and tax policy.
“We are thrilled to have Jen join the bipartisan BGR team,” BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “Her breadth of knowledge and expertise on financial services and tax issues is unmatched. She will be a tremendous asset to our entire firm and our clients.”
Jen joins BGR Group from Capitol Hill where she served as the Banking Counsel to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) from 2023 to 2025 during his service as Senate Majority Leader. She advised the Leader on issues affecting the financial services sector including digital assets, cannabis banking, and anti-money laundering (AML) and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements. Jen also represented the Democratic Leader in negotiations between Senate and House leadership, Congressional Committees, and the Executive Branch on all financial services legislation before the Congress. Jen also advised Leader Schumer during the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank and the proposed Basel III regulations.
Jen also served as the Tax Counsel to a Senior Senate Finance Member and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as the Economic Policy & Oversight Counsel to House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-7), where she was instrumental in the development, passage, and implementation of the CARES Act, American Rescue Plan (ARP), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and SECURE 2.0 during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recovery.
Prior to her time on Capitol Hill, Jen led economic policy work for UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. In this role, she was responsible for the organization’s efforts related to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), SECURE Act, state retirement savings plans, and the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, S.2155.
Jen also worked as the Manager of Research at the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) where she routinely testified in front of Congress and advised federal and state lawmakers on the intersection of retirement and tax policy. Additionally, Jen served as an Employee Benefits Law Specialist for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefit Security Administration’s Office of Exemption Determinations where she drafted complex individual exemptions and helped to finalize regulations mandated by the Dodd Frank Act.
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Chris Kelly Joins BGR Group as Vice President
CHRIS KELLY JOINS BGR GROUP AS VICE PRESIDENT IN HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES PRACTICE
Washington, D.C. (January 10, 2025) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premiere bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today that Chris Kelly will join its Health and Life Science Practice as a Vice President later this month. Chris will join BGR from the office of Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN) where he has led the Senator’s health policy portfolio since 2022, most recently as Health Policy Director. He will work with health care clients in both the Nashville and Washington regions.
“We are excited to welcome Chris to BGR Group,” BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “Given his broad health care portfolio and experience with Senator Blackburn and the burgeoning health care sector based in Tennessee, Chris will be a tremendous asset to our health care practice and the entire BGR team.”
“Chris Kelly has been an exceptional member of our team, demonstrating leadership and a deep understanding of health policy,” Senator Blackburn said. “His ability to work effectively with Tennessee’s diverse healthcare stakeholders has been instrumental in advancing our goals and ensuring collaboration across the board. I am deeply appreciative of Chris’ contributions and know that his future endeavors will be met with the same success and excellence he brought to our team.”
Chris, a Nashville native, brings significant expertise in health policy and a profound connection to one of the nation’s most vibrant healthcare ecosystems. With a long-standing legacy of innovation and leadership, Nashville has cemented its status as a global epicenter for health care entrepreneurship and management. The region boasts a thriving network of over 900 healthcare companies, ranging from groundbreaking startups to industry-leading giants, all working to revolutionize patient care.
In his role as Health Policy Director for Senator Blackburn, Chris has managed the Senator’s health portfolio and advised her policy and oversight efforts on the Senate Finance Committee. During his time with the Senator, he has successfully advanced key legislative priorities including reforming pharmacy benefit managers, combating the opioid crisis, expanding access to mental health services, and driving innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Chris has also helped spearhead bipartisan initiatives on Medicare Payment Reform and worked to develop policy solutions that strengthen financial stability for healthcare providers, improve patient outcomes, and enhance access to quality care. Chris also served as Senator Blackburn’s lead staff for the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and worked on her successful 2018 Senate campaign.
Prior to joining Senator Blackburn’s team, Chris was an associate at Baker Group Strategies, where he advised multiple federal, state, and local campaigns. Chris graduated magna cum laude from Middle Tennessee State University, earning a degree in Political Science with a minor in History and Political and Civic Engagement.
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BGR In The News: Loren Monroe in The Hill
State and Local Practice Co-Head Loren Monroe was quoted in The Hill yesterday saying, “The question for every business or trade association is: Are you on a Republican member’s top three must-have list? Having solid champions will be the difference between success and disappointment in 2025.”
BGR In the News: David Urban in POLITICO Influence
Matt Hoffmann Rejoins BGR Group as Co-Head of Financial Services Practice Group
Senior Republican Financial services expert will focus on blockchain technology, banking, capital markets, and digital assets.
Washington, D.C. (December 6, 2024) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premiere bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today that Matt Hoffmann is returning to the firm as a Principal and Co-Head of its Financial Services practice. Most recently, Matt served as Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs for Digital Asset, a blockchain technology company. He has also served in several high-profile positions on Capitol Hill including as the Republican Staff Director for the House Financial Services Committee and as a senior advisor in the Office of the Speaker of the House. In his role with BGR’s Financial Services practice, Matt will focus on issues including banking, capital markets, digital assets, regulation of the crypto industry, and renewal of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Investment Act (TCJA).
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt back to the BGR team,” BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “Matt is an outstanding colleague and true expert when it comes to financial services, budget, and fiscal policy. He will be a tremendous asset to our firm and our clients as we navigate upcoming tax and financial services policy debates.”
Matt is a Capitol Hill veteran who has served in key roles on both the House and Senate side. As the Staff Director for the House Financial Services Committee, he was the chief advisor to Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and helped manage committee business including its response to the 2023 banking crisis, advancement of capital market reforms, and creation of the first-ever Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion Subcommittee. Matt was also instrumental in the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21), and other legislation including the Expanding Access to Capital Act, and the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act. During his previous stint at BGR Group, Matt worked across practice groups, including with the Health and Life Sciences and Financial Services practice groups, where he provided policy analysis and strategic counsel to clients. Prior to that, Matt served as Policy Director at the Senate Finance Committee and as a senior advisor to former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) during his service on the House Budget and Ways and Means Committees, and eventually in the Speaker’s office.
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BGR in the News: Robb Walton in Axios Pro
BGR Health and Life Sciences Principal, Robb Walton, was quoted in Axios Pro on Senator Bill Cassidy’s new position as Senate HELP Committee Chair. Robb formerly served as a health policy adviser to Senator Cassidy.
Robb said he “expects Cassidy to work with the new administration on setting priorities, and that the senator can be a ‘coalition builder’ on bipartisan action outside of reconciliation.”
State & Local Update – Post Election Edition
In our 2024 State and Local Election Recap, BGR’s State & Local team analyzes key results from races across the country. From shifts in legislative bodies to ballot measures with the potential to reshape local policy, our recap highlights what’s ahead for state and local governments.