Tom Wotka Joins Brownstein’s Government Relations Team

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is pleased to announce that Tom Wotka is joining the firm as a senior policy advisor in the Government Relations Department. He will be based in the Washington, D.C., office.

“Tom is an experienced career diplomat with a proven track record of addressing global conflict, energy security and critical minerals issues. His impressive career with the State Department includes leadership roles that he draws on when assessing and developing bipartisan policy initiatives and legislation,” said Nadeam Elshami, co-chair of the firm’s Government Relations Department.

With extensive expertise in national security, private sector engagement and navigating complex governmental and congressional landscapes, Wotka is a versatile strategist in international affairs and global business. He works closely with clients to shape and execute policy initiatives, build cooperation between the public and private sectors, bridge cultural divides and navigate the intricacies of U.S. government agencies.

Wotka’s experience is built around his nearly two decades at the U.S. Department of State. As a foreign service officer, he served in Afghanistan, Austria, Cambodia and Mexico. His European and Eurasian affairs expertise led to key roles as a lead negotiator and political officer, energy security economist and economic policy team leader where he brokered agreements on Ukraine and cybersecurity, analyzed European Union carbon-neutral and climate policies and coordinated energy security, sanctions and budget in support of U.S. objectives in Eastern Europe. As chief of staff for the Bureau of Energy Resources, he oversaw strategic and operational priorities related to energy transition and security. Before joining the State Department, Wotka built experience in the private sector, including the investment banking and insurance industries, and a fellowship with the Atlantic Council’s Veterans Advanced Energy Program. Wotka also served in the Marine Corps, deploying to Iraq and obtaining the rank of major.

“Brownstein has a top-notch foreign affairs team and I’m looking forward to being able to work alongside Chairman Royce and Samantha Carl-Yoder who have built an impressive practice at the firm,” said Wotka.

Wotka earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his M.B.A. from Washington University.