Brownstein Adds Principal, Public Policy Title Elevating Government Relations Leadership

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck today announced the creation of a new leadership title—principal, public policy—as part of its strategic plan to align with evolving market dynamics and maintain competitiveness in the government relations industry.

This title is equivalent to that of an equity shareholder for policy professionals who aren’t licensed attorneys. This addition underscores Brownstein’s commitment to recognizing top talent and leadership in public policy advocacy.

“Our Government Relations team plays a critical role in advancing our clients’ priorities,” said Rich Benenson, Brownstein’s managing partner. “By introducing the principal, public policy title, we are elevating leaders who have consistently delivered exceptional results and strengthened our position in the marketplace. This is an important milestone for our firm and for the professionals who have earned this distinction.”

The inaugural group of principals, public policy includes:

Greg Hayes combines his political and business background to provide advocacy and public affairs counsel for Fortune 500 companies and leading voices in the technology sector doing business in California. Under his leadership, the firm’s Sacramento office more than doubled in size, reflecting the firm’s growing presence and influence in California.

Samantha Carl-Yoder, co-chair of the firm’s International practice, draws on her nearly 20 years of service at the U.S. State Department—working in both Washington, D.C., and embassies across the world—to build strategic partnerships for companies expanding domestically and overseas. Her sophisticated understanding of foreign policy and deep relationships with sovereign governments, third-party institutions and global media organizations is used to solve problems that require a multidisciplinary approach.

Nadeam Elshami, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C., office and co-chair of the Government Relations Department, remains front and center in the nation’s most pressing policy debates. With 25 years of experience in Congress—beginning in the Senate mailroom and culminating as chief of staff to former House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)—Elshami navigates complex caucus politics to advance solutions on health care, emerging technology, energy, transportation and infrastructure.

Greta Joynes serves as co-chair of the firm’s Technology and Telecommunications practice. As federal policymakers consider industry-altering laws and regulations on data privacy, supply chain security, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, infrastructure and transportation, Joynes positions companies for success. Her technical understanding of clients’ businesses and political intuition on when and how to engage the government on their behalf has resulted in market-changing outcomes for small business coalitions, Series A startups and Fortune 15 corporations.

Brian McGuire leverages his nearly 20 years of senior-level executive and legislative branch experience with a deep understanding of Republican politics for clients in need of incisive government intervention. He most recently served in a Senate-confirmed position as the Department of the Treasury’s assistant secretary for legislative affairs during President Trump’s first term. Prior to that, he served as a longtime aide and chief of staff to former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), overseeing both legislative and communications strategy as well as outside political activity for Sen. McConnell’s Kentucky (personal) office. 

Zach Pfister, co-chair of Brownstein’s Financial Services practice, brings more than 20 years of experience in government, politics and high-stakes advocacy, along with deep institutional knowledge of Congress, sharp political judgment and an extensive network across the House Democratic Caucus. His ability to translate complex policy objectives into actionable legislative strategies has produced a record of success shaping outcomes on Capitol Hill. Pfister advises clients across cooperative and agricultural finance, retail banking, payments technology and housing sectors.

David Reid is deeply embedded in Democratic politics and draws on his personal network on the Hill, in governors’ administrations and throughout the business community to build coalitions that drive policy success for clients. He works hand in glove with clients to lead complex public policy efforts related to infrastructure, hospitality, gaming, health care, technology, telecommunications, and arts and entertainment. Reid leverages his extensive political finance experience to maximize the impact of clients’ political giving.

Ed Royce, co-chair of the firm’s International practice, leverages his exceptional understanding of world trends and high-level relationships with global leaders to creatively solve problems, unlock value and expand market opportunities for clients domestically and internationally. He represented Southern Californians in the U.S. House of Representatives for 26 years, chairing the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2013–2019. Ed also served as a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, where he led efforts to enact regulatory reforms impacting insurers, credit unions and housing finance.