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theGROUP Adds Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology Expert Michael Bennett, former BAE Systems Senior Exec, Joins as Contributing Principal

Aug 24, 2018 | Washington, D.C.

theGROUP, a Washington DC-based strategy, policy and communications consulting firm announced today that D. Michael Bennett is joining as Contributing Principal. An expert in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and organizational transformation, Bennett has worked...

theGROUP DC, LLC Promotes Andrew Collins to General Counsel and Michelle Hernandez to Senior Associate

Feb 5, 2018 | Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 5, 2018) – theGROUP DC, LLC, a leading government relations firm based in Washington, D.C., today announced the promotion of Andrew Collins to General Counsel and Michelle Hernandez to Senior Associate. Collins, who most recently served as...

RLJ Lodging Trust Announces the Appointment of Art Collins to Its Board of Trustees

Nov 28, 2016 | Washington, D.C.

BETHESDA, MD – November 28, 2016 – RLJ Lodging Trust (the “Company”) (NYSE: RLJ) today announced the election of Arthur (“Art”) Collins as a new member to its Board of Trustees. Mr. Collins’ appointment became effective November 21, 2016, increasing the...

Michael Bennett, former BAE Systems Senior Exec, Joins as Contributing Principal

Apr 4, 2016 | Washington, D.C.

theGROUP, a Washington DC-based strategy, policy and communications consulting firm announced today that D. Michael Bennett is joining as Contributing Principal. An expert in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and organizational transformation, Bennett has worked...

After 19 years, ‘the Saturday Brunch’ proves to be a CBC must-do — if you’re a VIP

Sep 20, 2015 | Washington, D.C.

Political consultant Art Collins’s annual brunch — held each year in celebration of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference — has come a long way in almost two decades. “The first year we didn’t have any clients,” recalled Collins,...

Paul Miller joins the firm as a Principal and Michelle Hernandez joins as an Associate

Sep 15, 2015 | Washington, D.C.

Two new members of theGROUP’s team underscore the firm’s continued growth and impact. Paul L. Miller, III, entrepreneur and former corporate banking executive, will join theGROUP as a Principal. In this role, Miller will be focused on the day-to-day...
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Art Collins, Chairman

at theGROUP

  • Provides counsel to corporate leaders, heads of state and their governments, and non-profit executives and their boards

before theGROUP

  • Senior Political Strategist for the 2008 Obama for America presidential campaign​
  • Senior Advisor to the 2004 Kerry presidential campaign​
  • Legislative Director within the Florida House of Representatives ​
  • Insurance Regulator and Legislative Director for the Florida Department of Insurance​
  • Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees first Chairman​
  • Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance and an honorary doctorate from Florida A&M University​
  • Studied at the University of Miami School of Law and abroad at the University of Montpellier in Montpellier, France

beyond theGROUP

  • Member, Aflac Incorporated Board of Directors
  • Member, KB Home Board of Directors
  • Member, RLJ Lodging Trust Board of Trustees
  • Member, Ford’s Theatre Board of Trustees
  • Chairman, Morehouse School of Medicine Board of Trustees
  • Member, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art Board of Trustees
  • Member, Council on Foreign Relations
  • Member, Economic Club of Washington, D.C.
  • Member, Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute Board of Directors
  • Former Vice Chair, The Brookings Institution Board of Trustees
  • Former Member, Meridian International Center Board of Trustees
  • Resides in McLean, Virginia with his wife, youngest son and daughter
  • Passionate about creating opportunities for young people
Read Full Bio

Sudafi Henry, Managing Partner

at theGROUP

  • Manages all client-related services as delivered by the firm’s partners and principals
  • Develops public policy and political strategies for engaging Washington, D.C. and beyond​
  • Advises and assists clients in furthering their business and philanthropic objectives​

before theGROUP

  • Senior Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs for former Vice President Joseph Biden​
  • Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD)​
  • Legislative Director for Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Major Owens (D-NY)
  • Juris Doctor, The George Washington University Law School; Bachelor of Arts, History, University of Maryland at College Park

beyond theGROUP

  • President of the Black History Promotion and Education Committee​
  • Avid outdoorsman​
  • Maryland resident but still considers California home​
  • Member of the Maryland State Bar and “Recovering Attorney”
Read Full Bio

Paul Miller, Partner

at theGROUP

  • Manages day-to-day operations of the firm​
  • Drives development of firm’s growth and successful client outcomes

before theGROUP

  • Founder and managing partner of boutique management consultancy ​
  • 10 years in banking most recently as VP at Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo Bank)​
  • Master of Business Administration with honors from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School; Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Indiana University

beyond theGROUP

  • Owns a music publishing company, huge music fan​
  • St. Louis, Missouri native ​
  • Lives in Maryland with his wife, Nicole, and daughter, Gabriella
Read Full Bio

Pam Thiessen, Partner

at theGROUP

  • Develops and implements results-based public policy strategies to assist clients in achieving their business goals consistent with their values

before theGROUP

  • 25-plus years in leadership roles on Capitol Hill
  • Staff Director, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  • Staff Director, Senate Republican Policy Committee
  • Senior Policy Advisor, Joint Economic Committee
  • Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to former Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
  • Legislative Director to former Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
  • Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and International Relations from Brown University and Master of Science degree in International Relations from The London School of Economics

beyond theGROUP

  • Lives in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
  • Hockey mom
  • Avid 1980s concert goer
  • Co-founder of Women Helping Women
Read Full Bio

Darrel Thompson, Partner

at theGROUP

  • Develops and implements engagement strategies to assist clients in achieving their business, policy, political and social objectives​
  • Provides clients with legislative and political intelligence on issues facing their respective organization and industry

before theGROUP

  • 25-year veteran of legislative/electoral politics and strategic consulting​
  • Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental and External Affairs to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid​
  • Chief of Staff for the Barack Obama for U.S. Senate campaign​
  • Master in Public Administration, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University; Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Political Science, Morgan State University

beyond theGROUP

  • Resides in Historic Capitol Hill​
  • Guest lectures at The Archer Center, University of Texas System and George Washington University​
  • Commissioner & Manager of Capitol Hill Little League Juniors Division and Tournament Team​
  • Participates in Competition Physique Body Building
Read Full Bio

Jorge Aguilar, Principal

at theGROUP

  • Provides strategic counsel for clients navigating the intricacies of the Democratic Caucus and stakeholder organizations
  • Assists clients with developing narratives and branding stories

before theGROUP

  • Over a decade of political and communications experience in various sectors
  • Executive Director of Nancy Pelosi for Congress (D-CA)
  • Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellow for former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)
  • An alumnus of President Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign and various congressional campaigns
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Texas A&M International University

beyond theGROUP

  • A proud product of the border from South Texas
  • Advisory Board Member, New Leaders Council STX Frontera
  • Loves barbecuing and traveling
  • Resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife and young daughter
Read Full Bio

Stacy Barton, Principal

at theGROUP

  • Develops and executes policy priorities to achieve client goals
  • Provides strategic advice and insights on navigating the Republican Conference

before theGROUP

  • More than two decades of Government Affairs and congressional experience
  • Chief of Staff, Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH)
  • Chief of Staff, former Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ)
  • Chief of Staff, Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH)
  • Founder, DC Consulting Firm (The Barton Company)
  • Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow
  • Bachelor of Arts St. Mary’s College of Maryland (The National Public Honors College)

beyond theGROUP

  • Lives in Southern Maryland with her family
  • Avid reader/audiobook listener
Read Full Bio

Kwabena Nsiah, Principal

at theGROUP

  • Develops comprehensive strategies for a broad range of stakeholders looking to navigate immediate and long-term challenges and priorities
  • Engages closely with the Administration and Capitol Hill to provide thoughtful counsel related to the frequently evolving landscapes of policy and politics

before theGROUP

  • Chief of Staff to former Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA)
  • Policy Director for Congressional Black Caucus
  • Senior Policy Advisor for Sen. Martin Heinrich’s (D-NM) Joint Economic Committee
  • Policy Advisor for former Congressman Xavier Becerra’s (D-CA) Leadership Office
  • Bachelor of Arts, Wesleyan University, CT

beyond theGROUP

  • Native of Newton, Massachusetts
  • Recreational golfer
  • Passionate about mentoring young men of color
  • Resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Alaina
Read Full Bio

Estefanía Rodriguez, Principal

at theGROUP

  • Formulates and executes comprehensive policy and communications solutions to support client goals
  • Advises clients on the legislative and political dynamics on Capitol Hill and within the Administration to achieve desired objectives

before theGROUP

  • Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA)
  • Policy Director for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
  • Senior Legislative Assistant, Rep. Hank Johnson, Jr. (D-GA)
  • Senior Legislative Assistant, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA)
  • Legislative Assistant, Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR)
  • Legislative Assistant, former Rep. Pedro R. Pierluisi (D-PR)
  • Juris Doctor, American University, Washington College of Law; Bachelor of Arts, History, University of Florida

beyond theGROUP

  • Miami, Florida native and sports fan, ballet aficionado
  • Devoted mentor of young professionals
  • Resides in Washington, D.C. with her fiancée
Read Full Bio

Eriade Williams, Principal

at theGROUP

  • Assists global corporations and non-profits with creating and executing legislative strategies that support their organizational objectives

before theGROUP

  • Partner at a top DC lobbying firm
  • Deputy Chief of Staff/Legislative Director, former Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA)
  • Press Secretary, former Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD)
  • Juris Doctor, American University, Washington College of Law; Master of Arts, Political Science, Georgia State University; Bachelor of Arts, Administration of Justice, Howard University

beyond theGROUP

  • General Counsel, Washington Government Relations Group
  • Advisory Board Member, Artists & Athletes Alliance
  • Board Member, National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics
  • Former Co-Captain of DI College Basketball Team
  • Lives in Silver Spring, MD with her family
Read Full Bio

Art Collins, Managing Partner

at theGROUP

  • Manages day-to-day functioning of the office​
  • Facilitates and maintains relationships with outside vendors ​
  • Designs, plans and executes onsite and offsite firm events

before theGROUP

  • Processed practice engagements and collaborated on business development within the compliance department at an international banking consulting firm​
  • Assisted with HR and billing, executed training retreats at an international strategic business advisory firm ​
  • Managed interagency relationships at an international public/private partnership headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland

beyond theGROUP

  • Avid movie buff​
  • Recreational knitter​
  • Aspiring Data Scientist
Read Full Bio

Art Collins, Chairman

at theGROUP

  • Provides counsel to corporate leaders, heads of state and their governments, and non-profit executives and their boards

before theGROUP

  • Senior Political Strategist for the 2008 Obama for America presidential campaign​
  • Senior Advisor to the 2004 Kerry presidential campaign​
  • Legislative Director within the Florida House of Representatives ​
  • Insurance Regulator and Legislative Director for the Florida Department of Insurance​
  • Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees first Chairman​
  • Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance and an honorary doctorate from Florida A&M University​
  • Studied at the University of Miami School of Law and abroad at the University of Montpellier in Montpellier, France

beyond theGROUP

  • Member, Aflac Incorporated Board of Directors
  • Member, KB Home Board of Directors
  • Member, RLJ Lodging Trust Board of Trustees
  • Member, Ford’s Theatre Board of Trustees
  • Chairman, Morehouse School of Medicine Board of Trustees
  • Member, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art Board of Trustees
  • Member, Council on Foreign Relations
  • Member, Economic Club of Washington, D.C.
  • Member, Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute Board of Directors
  • Former Vice Chair, The Brookings Institution Board of Trustees
  • Former Member, Meridian International Center Board of Trustees
  • Resides in McLean, Virginia with his wife, youngest son and daughter
  • Passionate about creating opportunities for young people
Read Full Bio

Sudafi Henry, Managing Partner

at theGROUP

  • Manages all client-related services as delivered by the firm’s partners and principals
  • Develops public policy and political strategies for engaging Washington, D.C. and beyond​
  • Advises and assists clients in furthering their business and philanthropic objectives​

before theGROUP

  • Senior Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs for former Vice President Joseph Biden​
  • Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD)​
  • Legislative Director for Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Major Owens (D-NY)
  • Juris Doctor, The George Washington University Law School; Bachelor of Arts, History, University of Maryland at College Park

beyond theGROUP

  • President of the Black History Promotion and Education Committee​
  • Avid outdoorsman​
  • Maryland resident but still considers California home​
  • Member of the Maryland State Bar and “Recovering Attorney”
Read Full Bio

David P. Cleary, Principal

at theGROUP

  • Develops and executes results-based public policy strategies designed to assist clients in achieving their business, policy, and political goals
  • Advises clients on the evolving legislative and regulatory environment to maximize their ability to leverage opportunities and mitigate risk

before theGROUP

  • Senior Policy Advisor for prominent D.C. multi-client government relations practice
  • 25-plus years in leadership roles on Capitol Hill
  • Staff Director, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for former Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and former Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)
  • Chief of Staff, former Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
  • Professional Staff Member, U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee, former Congressman John Boehner (R-OH), Chairman 
  • Professional Staff, U.S. Department of Education
  • Master of Public Administration, The George Washington University; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, The George Washington University

beyond theGROUP

  • Lives in Arlington, Virginia with his wife and daughter
  • Amateur baker
Read Full Bio