Category: Press Release

BGR Analytics Launches Best States for AI Investment Index, the Definitive Data-Driven Ranking of All 50 States + D.C. for AI Investment

Posted on by Rae Parsons

Index Debuts at SelectUSA Investment Summit; Texas, Utah and Florida Lead Overall Rankings

WASHINGTON D.C. — BGR Analytics, the data practice of BGR Group, Washington’s premier bipartisan government affairs and public relations firm, today launched the BGR Best States for AI Investment Index — a comprehensive, data-driven ranking of all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on their readiness and attractiveness for artificial intelligence investment. The Index is the first product of its kind to apply rigorous, multi-dimensional analysis to the AI investment landscape, giving technology companies, data center developers, sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms and foreign governments the intelligence they need to make confident, data-backed AI investment decisions.

The Index is being introduced tonight at a cocktail reception co-hosted by BGR Group, Advocus Partners and gener8tor in connection with the SelectUSA Investment Summit. The reception is themed “Investing Locally to Compete Globally: Building Innovation Ecosystems & AI Ready States.” It will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Belvedere Lobby Bar, Gaylord Hotel, National Harbor, Maryland.

Texas ranks first overall, followed by Utah and Florida in BGR Analytics’ inaugural Best States for AI Investment Index. California and North Carolina are tied for 4th, followed by Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, Washington, Massachusetts and Maryland.

“The AI economy is reordering American competitiveness state by state, and the decisions companies and investors make today about where to deploy capital will shape the landscape for decades,” said Frank Ahrens, Head of BGR Analytics. “Until now, those decisions have too often been made on the basis of conventional wisdom, gut instinct, or incomplete data. The BGR Best States for AI Investment Index changes that, delivering more than 100 verified data points across five pillars to cut through the noise and give investors the confidence to act.”

Five Pillars. 14 Indicator Groups. 100+ Data Categories.

The Index evaluates all 51 jurisdictions across five core pillars: 1) Dynamic Economy, 2) Business Climate, 3) Data-Center Readiness — encompassing Research & Startup Ecosystem, Data Infrastructure, Regulatory Friendliness, Energy Abundance & Affordability, and Synergistic Advantage — 4) Workforce Advantage and 5) Quality of Place. Each indicator is normalized and scored before applying group and pillar weights to produce an aggregate total score and ranking. Rankings reflect objective data only; no state surveying was conducted.

The Index also produces specialized sub-rankings, including Top States for Physical AI Investment — led by Texas, Florida and Georgia — and Top States for Knowledge AI Investment — led by California, Texas and North Carolina — enabling investors to pinpoint the best states for their specific deployment needs.

Built for Investors and State Governments Alike

For investors, the Index serves as a decision-support tool to identify optimal locations for AI-related capital deployment, validate or challenge site-selection assumptions, and build a data-backed narrative for stakeholders on where — and why — AI investment should flow.

For state governments, the Index shows exactly how each state performs across the 14 categories that matter most to AI investors — from data center infrastructure to talent pipelines — enabling state economic development officials to sharpen their investment pitch, target their strengths, and close competitive gaps.

About BGR Analytics

BGR Analytics® is the data practice of BGR Group, established in 2023. Powered by BGR’s Data Science team and led by Principal Frank Ahrens, BGR Analytics uses proprietary methodologies and data from multiple authoritative sources to produce rankings, risk assessments, and actionable intelligence that give clients a competitive edge. BGR Analytics products include the BGR Impact Index; the BGR Energy Security Index and the BGR Best States for Asian Investment Index. More information is available at bgrdc.com/bgr-analytics.

About BGR Group

Founded in 1991 and celebrating its 35th anniversary, BGR Group is the leading bipartisan government affairs, public relations and analytics firm in Washington D.C., with offices in Austin, Atlanta, Nashville and Phoenix and extensive business relationships around the world. BGR’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, foreign governments, trade associations, non-profit organizations, academic institutions and coalitions. More information is available at bgrdc.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Frank Ahrens
Head of BGR Analytics
BGR Group
FAhrens@bgrpr.com
(202) 352-4227

Download the press release here

BGR Welcomes Connor Dunn as Vice President

Posted on by Ally Korpela

Washington, D.C. (April 6, 2026) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced today that Connor Dunn has joined its Financial Services and Tax Practice as a Vice President. Connor brings extensive legislative experience as a senior committee staffer in both the House and Senate, at the Departments of the Treasury and Housing and Urban Development, and as a policy expert in the private sector.  

“We are very excited to have Connor join the team,” BGR President Erskine Wells said. “His experience in the administration, on Capitol Hill, and in the private sector will help guide clients on a range of critical issues including housing and mortgage finance, insurance, financial technology, and banking regulation.”   

Prior to joining BGR, Connor served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Banking & Finance, within the Office of Legislative Affairs at the Department of the Treasury. In this role, he served as a chief liaison between Treasury and Congress, advising the Secretary and senior Trump administration officials on legislative and policy strategy. Further, Connor played a lead role in the Senate confirmation process for key Treasury nominees and other financial regulators.  

Connor has also spent time in the private sector, representing financial services clients before Congress and federal agencies. While on Capitol Hill, Connor served in senior roles on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and House Financial Services Committee. As the Policy Director for Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), he served as a key advisor in crafting the Committee’s housing, insurance, and consumer finance policy agenda. During his time in the House of Representatives, Connor worked as a Senior Professional Staff Member for Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and played a key role in the development and passage of the housing provisions in every bipartisan COVID-19 response bill. During this time, he also served as a policy lead for the House Republicans’ Jobs and Economy Task Force.  

During President Trump’s first term, Connor served as a Policy Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and within the Department’s Office of Congressional Affairs. He began his career on the government relations team at the National Multifamily Housing Council.  

### 

Daniel F. Runde Joins BGR Group as Senior Advisor

Posted on by Rae Parsons

Washington, D.C. (June 12, 2025) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s, premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, announced that Daniel F. Runde has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. In his role, Dan will work across the firm to advise clients on a variety of challenges in Washington and beyond. His background includes extensive experience at entities including the State Department, the Development Finance Corporation, the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, the World Bank and the regional Multilateral Development Banks. He also brings depth of knowledge regarding Latin America, Africa, Central Asia and Ukraine.

“Dan brings deep national security and foreign policy expertise to our firm,” BGR Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “He is a trusted advisor to government and businesses given his extensive experience at critical agencies including the Export Import Bank, State Department, and World Bank extremely well. His expertise will be a tremendous asset to our clients and the firm.”

Prior to joining BGR Group, Dan was a senior vice president, director of the Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD), and held the William A. Schreyer Chair in Global Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a leading global think tank. He remains a Senior Advisor at CSIS. He also served as the acting director for the CSIS Americas Program from 2020-2022. His work has been oriented around U.S. leadership in building a more democratic and prosperous world. He was as an architect of the BUILD Act, contributed to the reauthorization of the U.S. EXIM Bank in 2018, and was an architect of Prosper Africa, a U.S. government initiative to deepen the United States’ commercial and development engagement in Africa.

Dan has also held leadership roles at the State Department and the World Bank Group. Earlier in his career, he worked in commercial banking at Citibank in Argentina and in investment banking at Alex. Brown & Sons. 

Dan holds the Officer’s Cross in the Order of Isabel la Católica, a Spanish civil order. He is a Commander in the Order of Rio Branco, a Brazilian civil order and has been officially recognized by the governments of Colombia and Ecuador for deepening ties with those countries.  Fluent in Spanish, he graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College and holds a master’s in public policy from Harvard University.

BGR Group Announces Passing of Founding Partner Lanny Griffith

Posted on by Rae Parsons

Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2025) – BGR Group today announced that Lanny Griffith, a Founding Partner of the firm, has passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Lanny helped guide BGR Group from its earliest days by maintaining a consistent focus on the firm’s clients and their needs. A devoted husband to Susan and father to his daughter Sally Hamilton and late son David, Lanny was also deeply involved in the redevelopment of his hometown, Corinth, Mississippi, and an active and proud alumnus of the University of Mississippi. He was also a dedicated member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Virginia.

“Lanny was a genuine friend, a great tactician, and a true leader,” BGR Group Founding Partner Haley Barbour said. “His love for his family and the state of Mississippi are unmatched. Lanny was always working and finding ways to give back to the people and places that meant the most to him. He never forgot where he came from — and we will never forget him.”

“BGR is what it is today because of Lanny’s hard work and vision,” BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “He was a leader in our firm and our community. He was always focused on helping others and being a good colleague, neighbor, and friend. Lanny and Susan are among the most generous people I have ever known. He will forever be remembered as an advocate and a leader and be dearly missed by his family and many friends.”

During his time in government and the private sector, Lanny helped assemble industry coalitions and successfully battled some of strongest and best-funded advocacy operations in Washington. Lanny joined BGR Group in 1993 after serving in several roles in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. On Jan. 20, 1989, Lanny was sworn in as Special Assistant to the President in the East Room of the White House, serving as President Bush’s liaison to governors and other statewide elected officials. At the White House, he was a principal architect of President Bush’s 1989 Education Summit in Charlottesville, Va., and was involved in the development of the National Goals for Education. 

In 1991, President Bush nominated Lanny to be Assistant Secretary of Education, and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 1992. In this role, Lanny directed Secretary Lamar Alexander’s successful effort to build a national consensus around educational standards and testing. He also managed the launch of the G.I. Bill for Children and coordinated the administration’s role on the National Education Goals Panel. 

Lanny also represented the U.S. on the Education Committee of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. He also served as Co-Chairman of the Advisory Council on Dependent Education, which serves as the school board for all dependent schools worldwide under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Defense. 

Lanny’s political career dated back to the early 1980s, when he worked for the Republican National Committee, managing then-candidate Haley Barbour’s U.S. Senate race in 1982. He also served as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Republican Party for three years. In 1988, he served as Southern Political Director for Vice President Bush’s presidential campaign. In this role, Lanny directed 10 states in the Super Tuesday primaries and 11 states in the general election. All 21 state efforts were victorious. 

Lanny’s work for the Bush family continued with his role as national chairman of the Bush-Cheney 2000 Entertainment Task Force and entertainment coordinator for the 2001 Bush Inaugural. He later served as a Ranger as well as a member of the Bush 2004 National Finance Committee. In 1998, he was one of three transition directors for Florida Governor-elect Jeb Bush. 

Lanny helped found the Trust for the National Mall and served on its Board of Directors for many years. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and most recently served as Chairman of the Westminster Presbyterian Foundation.

Lanny received his undergraduate degree in accounting and JD from the University of Mississippi where he remained actively involved for many years. In 2023, a scholarship was established to support Ole Miss students from his hometown of Corinth, Mississippi. An avid student of American history, Lanny completed several renovations in the historic district of Corinth and continued to support the community there.

A funeral service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria on Friday, April 4th at 10:30 a.m.

####

BGR Group Welcomes Peter Lewis as Vice President

Posted on by Rae Parsons

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 Rae Parsons

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. 

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

Posted on by Rae Parsons

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. 

### 

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.

###

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

Posted on by Rae Parsons

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.

###

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

Posted on by Rae Parsons

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.

###