Van Ness Feldman, P.C. is pleased to announce that Ben McMakin has been elected a Principal of the firm and Managing Director of Governmental Issues.   Prior to joining the firm in 2005, Mr. McMakin served on Senator Patty Murray’s (D – WA) staff for nine years including 5 years as her Legislative Director. 

Mr. McMakin uses his extensive experience with the workings of the Congress and the legislative process to advise clients that are developing a range of clean energy and technology solutions,  including alternative fuels, renewable energy technologies, and advanced transportation and energy efficiency products.  He also assists a number of other firm clients, including electric and gas utilities and energy project developers, with policy matters. 

Mr. McMakin also continues to work with a variety of Pacific Northwest clients with interests before the Congress and the Administration.  He helps clients in technology, defense manufacturing, homeland security, transportation and infrastructure partner with their congressional delegations to advocate sound public policy outcomes.

“Ben’s depth of experience, from cleantech and energy to defense and transportation issues, has strengthened our public policy practice, especially in the Pacific Northwest,” Howard Feldman, Chairman of Van Ness Feldman, said, “We’re very happy to have him as an integral member of our team.”

Mr. McMakin, 43, earned a B.A. from the University of Oregon.  Prior to arriving at Van Ness Feldman, Mr. McMakin worked for 17 years as a senior political and legislative advisor to members of the Oregon and Washington congressional delegations. In that capacity, he collaborated with business and community leaders to advance innovative solutions to the Pacific Northwest’s economic development, transportation, defense, energy, and technology challenges.

For more information, please contact Nathan Darling at 202.298.1890.

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