Lobbying World: Akin snags former Ways and Means chair ahead of tax fight

Former House Ways and Means Committee Chair Kevin Brady (R-Texas) is joining Akin as a senior policy consultant. As chair of the chief tax-writing committee, Brady played a pivotal role in shaping the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, former President Trump’s signature tax bill, which has several provisions expiring in 2025.

“The firm’s reputation in the areas under the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee is unparalleled, and that made it a natural choice for me,” said Brady. “I’m looking forward to working with this deep bench to help Akin’s clients during this pivotal time.”

Troy Lyons is now senior director of federal affairs at Holland & Hart. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Capitol Hill alum, Lyons spearheaded government relations for BP, Hess, and American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC), a trade association representing the 26 largest independent U.S. oil and natural gas companies.

The University of Michigan has hired Zach Weber as federal relations director. A University of Michigan alum, Weber was most recently deputy director of federal affairs to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and was legislative director to former Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Mich.).

Former Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) is joining the Hudson Institute, a national security think tank, as a distinguished fellow. Before retiring early from Congress last month, he chaired the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

The Motion Picture Association has cast Jesse Martin as senior vice president and associate general counsel for content protection and legal affairs. She was a senior attorney at BSA, The Software Alliance.

Former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for World Trade Organization and Multilateral Affairs Andrea Durkin is joining the National Association of Manufacturers as vice president of international policy.