Kathryn Reed is a Vice President with BGR’s Financial Services and Tax and Commerce Practices. A seasoned tax and fiscal policy expert, she brings nearly a decade of Capitol Hill experience shaping federal tax, budget, and economic policy at the highest levels of Congress, with deep expertise in drafting, negotiating, and advancing complex tax legislation.
Kathryn most recently served as Tax Policy Advisor to Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) on the House Committee on Ways and Means, where she guided development and strategy for major Republican tax priorities, including the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act of 2025 and the bipartisan Smith-Wyden Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (TRAFWA). In this role, she advised the Chairman, Members of the Committee, and senior staff on tax policy that supports businesses and families, encourages economic development, and promotes on- and near-shoring of critical supply chains. She worked closely with the Joint Committee on Taxation, House Legislative Counsel, and Senate Finance Committee to navigate the political landscape and deliver legislative victories.
Prior to her tenure as Tax Policy Advisor, Kathryn served as a key staff member to Congressman Jason Smith in both his personal office and in his capacity as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee where she provided analysis on revenue estimates, economic impacts, and political implications of major policy proposals.
Earlier in her career, Kathryn worked under Chairman Kevin Brady on the House Committee on Ways and Means, contributing to the successful passage and implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017.
Kathryn is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College and holds a dual degree in Economics and Government.
Team Category: Financial Services
Jen Brown
Jen Brown is a Vice President in BGR Group’s Financial Services & Tax Practice and Co-Lead of BGR’s Higher Education Working Group. She draws on two decades of policy experience and legal expertise to guide clients through complex tax, financial services, and higher education issues throughout all levels of Washington, DC.
Before joining BGR in January 2025, Jen spent five years on Capitol Hill, in variety of senior roles—including as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) Banking Counsel. Prior to her role with Leader Schumer, Jen served as the Tax Counsel for a senior Senate Finance Committee member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and as the Economic Policy and Oversight Counsel to House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jen played a key role in negotiating, passing, and implementing major legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, SECURE 2.0, several COVID relief packages, and annual NDAA and appropriations bills. She frequently led negotiations among congressional leadership, committees, government agencies, the White House, and states.
Prior to her service on Capitol Hill, Jen spent over a decade in key policy roles at UnidosUS, as an instructor at American University, the National Institute on Retirement Security, and as an Employee Benefits Law Specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor. She is a recognized expert in tax policy and economic security and regularly testifies before Congress, advises legislators and presidential campaigns, and her analysis has been featured in major media outlets.
Matt Hoffmann
Matt Hoffmann is a Capitol Hill veteran and fiscal policy expert who helps lead BGR’s Financial Services practice. Matt is a leader in the financial services space with extensive government and private sector experience. He helps clients navigate policy challenges ranging from tax to digital assets to the regulation of the crypto industry.
Matt previously served as a Principal at BGR Group from 2018 to 2021 when he worked across multiple practice groups including Health and Life Sciences and Financial Services. Most recently, he was the Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs at Digital Asset, a leading blockchain software company.
Matt has also served in several high-profile positions on Capitol Hill including as Staff Director for the House Financial Services Committee and as a senior advisor in the Office of the Speaker of the House. 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. Matt also 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.
Nick Iarossi
Nick Iarossi is a Managing Director with BGR Group. He helps clients navigate political and policy challenges at the local, state and federal levels.
A founding member of Florida-based Capital City Consulting, Nick has been a leading advocate 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.
Before starting Capital City Consulting, Nick practiced law and government affairs at a prominent Florida law firm after working in the Senate Majority Office and Office of Insurance Regulation. Nick graduated from Florida State University with honors, where he served as student body president and also received his JD from Florida State University Law School. He is a member of the Seminole Boosters Board of Directors and served on the university’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee.
Nick enjoys giving back by mentoring students, supporting the March of Dimes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and many other charities.
Ansley Haulbrook
Ansley Haulbrook is a Policy Analyst in BGR Group’s Financial Services and Tax Practice Group. In this role, she provides direct support to clients through in-depth policy research, strategic analysis, and issue monitoring across sectors including tax, energy, and financial services. Ansley contributes to the development of client deliverables, legislative tracking, and advocacy strategies, helping clients navigate complex policy environments and regulatory developments. She works closely with BGR principals to deliver timely insights and recommendations that inform client decision-making and engagement with key stakeholders on Capitol Hill.
Ansley joined BGR as a Government Affairs Coordinator for the Financial Services and Tax team in April 2023 where she supported firm operations, scheduling, and event planning after starting at the firm as a Legislative Clerk in January 2023.
Prior to BGR, Ansley interned for Delegate Madeline Bordallo (D-GU) and worked on Alison Freidman’s Congressional Campaign in (VA-10). Ansley graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in December 2022 with a B.A. in Politics with concentrations in National Institutions & Policy and Citizenship & Political Action. While at Sewanee, Ansley was the recruitment chair for her sorority, a tour guide ambassador for the admissions office, and a member of the Order of the Gownsmen academic honors society.
Ansley has lived internationally in Panama, Puerto Rico, Dublin, London, and Guam, but primarily grew up in Saint Simons Island, Georgia before attending boarding school at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia.
Steven Pfrang
Steven Pfrang is a Principal with BGR’s Commerce and Financial Services Practices. Steve assists clients with their advocacy campaigns by leveraging his nearly 20 years of experience in Washington, D.C., working in the public and private sector. He is well known for his ability to combine his knowledge of tax, trade and health care policy issues with his detailed understanding of the political environment to drive policy results through the legislative process.
Most recently Steve served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL), a senior Member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as well as the House Select Committee on China. In his position, Steve was responsible for managing the Congressman’s congressional operations, including all legislative and communications activities. As the Congressman’s primary advisor, Steve also managed the Member’s entire political operation, including the Congressman’s National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) activities.
Prior to his time with Congressman LaHood, Steve served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to a member of the Ways & Means Committee and as a Senior Legislative Assistant to a member of the House Energy & Commerce and the Financial Services Committees.
Steve previously worked on the government affairs staff of a Fortune 100 company where he was responsible for advocacy to advance the company’s retirement policy priorities before the House, Senate and Executive Branch.
Originally from Wisconsin, Steve is an avid Packers fan and active outdoorsman. Steve received his Bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College and his MBA from Lakeland College.
Keaghan Ames
Keaghan Ames is a Vice President in BGR Group’s Financial Services Practice where he advises clients and advocates on financial services, agriculture, and tax matters. Keaghan leverages his regulatory experience and policymaking expertise to assist BGR Group clients in navigating Washington.
Prior to joining BGR Group, Keaghan worked at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as Senior Policy Advisor and Counselor to Commissioner Caroline 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.
Prior 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.
Keaghan also worked at Credit Suisse as Head of U.S. Regulatory Policy, where he advised senior executives and helped oversee the firm’s advocacy efforts on the regulatory implementation of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S. 2155). His work included drafting comment letters and leading meetings on behalf of the bank’s investment bank, holding company, and asset management policy interests before Congress, the SEC, Federal Reserve Board, CFTC, and FDIC.
Keaghan is a PwC alum and clerked for CFTC Commissioner (Chairman) Christopher Giancarlo while in law school. Keaghan received a J.D. from the George Washington University Law School and a B.A. in Political Science from the George Washington University. A native of South Jersey and a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, Keaghan resides in Washington with his wife and son.
Christian Dopico
Christian Dopico is a Policy Analyst in the Financial Services Practice at BGR Group. In this role, he supports the entire Financial Services team by assessing and communicating the implications of federal policy changes in the financial sector.
Christian first joined BGR as a research clerk in early 2022, where he supported the firm through hearing and event coverage, in-depth research projects, and election analysis during the 2022 midterm cycle.
Christian’s prior experience encompasses a broad stretch of positions; he first became familiar with politics during a college internship with then-New York City Council Member, now Congressman, Ritchie Torres (D). Prior to BGR, Christian worked in public relations and campaigns for the Florida Democratic Party, where he organized virtual GOTV events and conducted candidate research during the 2020 cycle. He also previously served as an intern in the Council on Foreign Relations’ corporate affairs division in New York City.
Christian holds a Master’s degree from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM). He earned a B.S. in Business Economics and Urban Studies from Fordham University in New York City. Between degrees, he embarked on a gap year program teaching English to high school students in rural Spain.
Joel D. Bailey
Joel Bailey, Vice President, started at BGR in September 2021. Joel works with clients on crafting political, engagement, and policy strategies to achieve their goals. In this role, he regularly represents client interests on Capitol Hill and within the Administration.
Prior to joining BGR, Joel served for over a decade on Capitol Hill in several Congressional offices. Most recently, Joel served as Chief of Staff to House Committee on Ways and Means Member, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.). There, he managed the Congressman’s political, policy, and whip operations. Before serving as Mr. Panetta’s Chief of Staff, Joel represented the hospitality industry to Congressional Democratic offices as a lobbyist for the National Restaurant Association (NRA).
Earlier in his career, Joel worked for a number of House Members who served on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce primarily focusing on health policy. During this time, Joel worked on the formulation and passage of the Affordable Care Act, the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA IV and V), and the Safeguarding America’s Pharmaceuticals Act.
In each of these roles, Joel regularly worked with Member of Congress, staff, Congressional leadership, and allied outside entities to build coalitions, formulate policy, and execute on strategies to achieve his Members’ or clients’ goals.
Justin Rzepka
Justin Rzepka, a Principal with BGR Group, is a seasoned advocate and policy expert with over two decades of experience. His multifaceted career spans Capitol Hill, private sector leadership, and coalition management.
As Head of the firm’s Commerce and Infrastructure Practice, Justin oversees a comprehensive policy portfolio that encompasses telecommunications, technology, artificial intelligence, content, media, transportation, infrastructure, and energy. His strategic approach delivers tangible results for clients, aligning their goals with effective strategies.
Justin’s advocacy extends to all levels of government. He engages with Congress, the Administration, and independent agencies, ensuring client access and influence. At BGR, he serves as the Executive Director of the CAR Coalition, championing affordable auto repair for consumers.
His risk mitigation expertise benefits Fortune 100 companies and trade associations across diverse sectors. Justin’s impact is evident in the permanent extension of a tax moratorium on internet access during his tenure at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.
Before joining BGR, Justin honed his skills on Capitol Hill. His work spanned foreign policy, telecommunications, transportation, and taxation. Notably, he contributed to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s annual report. Justin’s commitment to effective policy and advocacy continues to shape the landscape of critical issues.
Justin, originally from Ohio, graduated from Regis University in Denver. An enthusiastic alpine skier, he now lives in Virginia with his family.