Category: News

BGR Group Welcomes Peter Lewis as Vice President

Posted on by Anna Sullivan

Former DISH and Top Senate Aide to Join Commerce and Infrastructure Practice 

Washington, D.C. (March 4, 2025) – BGR Group, a premier bipartisan government affairs and strategic advisory firm, announced today that Peter Lewis has joined the firm as a Vice President in the Commerce and Infrastructure Practice. Peter has a background in the telecommunications policy and extensive private sector and legislative experience.   

BGR Group President, Erskine Wells, said, “Peter is a well-respected and extremely knowledgeable policy expert and will be a tremendous asset to the BGR team. We are proud to welcome him to the firm.” 

Prior to joining BGR, Peter served as Vice President of Government Affairs for DISH/EchoStar. While at DISH, Peter worked on a wide range of issues, including spectrum management, wireless infrastructure and technologies, Open-RAN development and deployment, broadband access, satellite TV, over-the top TV streaming, and video competition.   

Peter began his career on Capitol Hill. He worked in the office of Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) where he managed the Senator’s telecommunications portfolio. During his time on Capitol Hill, Peter worked on broadband access, media issues, and regulations impacting the Universal Service Fund.  

BGR Group Establishes Nashville Office, Blake Harris to Lead

Posted on by Anna Sullivan

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. 

Discover BGR Advisory Services

Posted on by Anna Sullivan

Discover strategic insight with BGR Advisory Services. Our experts bring decades of experience – from intelligence and political strategy to commercial and law enforcement engagements – to help you navigate challenges and mitigate risks.

Watch our video below to learn more!

Steve Benjamin Returns to BGR Group as Co-Chair of Advisory Board

Posted on by Anna Sullivan

Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2025) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premiere bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today that Steve Benjamin has rejoined its Advisory Board as a Co-Chair. A former Senior Advisor to President Biden and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, Steve brings decades of experience in government, public engagement, and municipal leadership to BGR Group’s Advisory Board and client offering. 

“We couldn’t be happier to have Steve back with us,” said Ed Rogers, Founding Partner and Co-Chair of BGR’s Advisory Board. “Steve is a remarkably credentialed and distinguished leader who has an incredible ability to connect with people and find solutions to tough challenges. Throughout his career, he has proven himself to be one of America’s foremost public servants. His leadership and perspective will be an asset to everyone he works with.”  

Prior to his most recent role in the Biden-Harris administration, Steve served as Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, from 2010 to 2021. During his time as mayor, he also served in several leadership roles including as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, President of the African American Mayors Association, and Executive Chairman of Municipal Bonds for America. 

“I’m honored to return to BGR Group and contribute to the important work they do,” said Benjamin. “BGR Group has always stood out for its commitment to finding innovative solutions and delivering results. I’m thrilled to rejoin the team and bring my experience to support their impactful work.” 

“Steve’s career speaks for itself,” said Bob Wood, Chairman and CEO of BGR Group. “From his tenure as mayor to his leadership on the national stage with organizations like the U.S. Conference of Mayors and in the White House, Steve has consistently provided vision and achieved impact. We’re thrilled to have someone of his caliber and expertise on our team once again.” 

In addition to his time in public service, Benjamin has been a Senior Fellow at the Milken Institute, a Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at Harvard University, and the President & CEO of The Benjamin Firm, LLC. 

For more information about BGR Group, please visit www.bgrdc.com. 

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BGR Review – January 24th

Posted on by Skylar Rubin

Check out BGR Review for a recap of President Trump’s first week in office, the potential schedule for a budget resolution, and the latest newsletters from BGR’s practice groups!

READ MORE HERE

BGR 2025 Quarterly Outlook

Posted on by Skylar Rubin

As the second Trump presidency is set to begin, BGR Group examines the people, procedures and policies that will define the agenda ahead in our Quarterly Outlook.

READ MORE HERE

Chris Kelly Joins BGR Group as Vice President

Posted on by Skylar Rubin

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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Julia Canady King Joins BGR Group as Director for Washington and Florida

Posted on by Anna Sullivan

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2025) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premiere bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today that Julia Canady King has joined the firm as a Director for Washington and Florida. Julia brings experience in federal and state government policy management and public affairs. Her expertise spans state and local budget policy, coalition management, and congressional relations.

Before joining BGR, Julia served as Federal Affairs Coordinator for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s Office of Federal Relations & Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, she advised on federal policy issues, developed legislative initiatives, and facilitated hurricane response and recovery efforts. Her experience as a liaison between federal and state governments uniquely positions her to help BGR clients navigate challenges across both levels of government.

“We are excited to welcome Julia to the BGR team,” BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “Her understanding of state and federal policymaking will help our clients achieve their legislative and regulatory goals.”

Julia previously served as Government Affairs Manager for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, representing priorities at both the state and federal levels. She worked with state associations on legislative priorities, coordinated federal outreach strategies, and led grassroots campaigns on key issues such as seasonal labor and tax policies. Julia is a native Floridian and holds degrees from the University of Florida and the Florida State University College of Law.

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Matt Hoffmann Rejoins BGR Group as Co-Head of Financial Services Practice Group

Posted on by Anna Sullivan

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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Nick Iarossi Joins BGR Group as Managing Director

Posted on by Anna Sullivan

Washington, D.C. (November 18, 2024) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today that Nick Iarossi will join the firm as a Managing Director. Nick is a founding member and co-owner of top Florida-based lobbying firm Capital City Consulting, which, along with BGR Group, is part of the national public affairs firm Advocus Partners. He will remain primarily active with Capital City Consulting focused on Florida-related government affairs and help expand collaboration across all Advocus companies in his new role at BGR.

“Nick is an outstanding political talent who has helped build one of the most successful government affairs firms in Florida history,” BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “We have gotten to know Nick and his colleagues through Advocus and are thrilled to have him formalize a role with us at BGR Group. This is a continuation of an already successful partnership. We are excited to have Nick as part of the team.”

“BGR Group represents the gold standard in Washington, just as Capital City does throughout Florida,” Iarossi said. “I have had the privilege of collaborating with the BGR Group team via Advocus and have been consistently impressed by their commitment to excellence and delivering results for clients. As the second Trump administration begins to take shape, joining BGR will allow me to provide clients new opportunities on a national level in Washington. I look forward to finding ways to expand collaborations between BGR Group, Capital City, and all our Advocus Partners.”

“Joining BGR as Washington transitions to the new administration is a natural progression for Nick and further enhances the value proposition Advocus Partners brings to clients’ government and public affairs efforts, both at the state and national levels,” Advocus President and co-owner of Capital City Consulting Ron LaFace said.

As a founding member of Capital City Consulting, Nick has worked on local, state, and federal government policy issues for over 20 years. He was recognized by Influence Magazine as one of the top 100 Most Influential People in Florida, a member of The News Service of Florida’s Power 100, and the most influential lobbyist in the State of Florida according to The Florida Standard. 

Nick is considered the best in his field representing a diverse client base in sectors such as: financial services, insurance, environmental, gaming, retail, education, information technology, and procurement. Throughout his career, Nick successfully lobbied for countless pieces of legislation on behalf of his clients and secured billions of dollars in legislative appropriations. Furthermore, Nick is often relied on by clients to assist on various public affairs efforts such as crisis management, message development, ballot initiatives and political branding.

Nick is active politically and a prolific fundraiser who has served in leadership positions on several national and state campaigns. Most recently, Nick raised money for the Trump 47 Campaign and supporting committees. Prior to that, Nick served as the National Finance Co-Chair for the DeSantis for President Campaign. In 2016, he served on the Marco Rubio for President National Finance Committee.   Additionally, Nick served as the Inaugural Co-Chair and Inaugural Finance Chair for both of Governor Ron DeSantis’ inaugurations for Governor, and on both Inaugural Committees of Governor Rick Scott. 

In 2023, along with BGR Group and other nationally leading public affairs firms, Nick and his Capital City Consulting partners helped found Advocus Partners, a bipartisan, national, public affairs firm that provides comprehensive and integrated government advocacy and advisory services for every level of government in all regions of the country.

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