Mark A. Zelden

Strategic Policy Advisor
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With decades of experience in government, policy, and strategic advising, Mark works with clients to navigate federal, state, and local regulatory landscapes to advance their business and policy objectives.

Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman, Mark served in key leadership roles on President Trump’s Transition Team during his first administration and was a senior political appointee as the Director of Budget and Finance at the U.S. Department of Labor. His extensive background includes serving as Legislative Director to Congressman Aderholt (R-AL) and Regional State Director to Senator Cassidy (R-LA). Mark's work has spanned critical areas such as infrastructure, trade, energy, labor policy, and regulatory affairs.

Throughout his career, he has secured federal appropriations in every major subcommittee of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees over the past twenty years. Mark has also played a significant role in the major extensions of federal transportation legislation for surface and aviation programs as well as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process since 2000.

With his deep policy expertise and strong connections within the current administration, Mark leverages his extensive Washington network to assist clients in navigating emerging challenges and opportunities.

  • Experience
  • Professional Affiliations
  • Awards & Honors
  • Bar & Court Admissions
  • Government Service

    U.S. Department of Labor

    • Director of Budget and Finance for the Beachhead Team
    • Director for the Center of Faith and Opportunity Initiatives (CFOI)

    Trump Transition Team, First Trump Administration

    U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy

    • Southeast Regional Director

    Congressman Parker Griffith

    • Legislative Director and Staff Liaison to the House Energy and Commerce Committee

    Congressman Robert B. Aderholt

    • Legislative Director and Associate Staff on the Transportation and Related Agencies Subcommittee
  • News & Presentations
  • Thought Leadership

Education

Louisiana State University B.S., History, 1992

The Catholic University of America M.A., History, 1998