Practice Chair

Zachary S. Pfister

Principal, Public Policy

Background

Go-to political strategist for House Democratic engagement. Well-respected advocate on Capitol Hill. Deep knowledge of financial services policy.

With over 20 years of experience in government, politics and high‑stakes advocacy, Zach Pfister is a senior leader in the firm’s Government Relations practice and a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues. He brings 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.

As co‑chair of Brownstein’s financial services practice, Zach advises clients across cooperative and agricultural finance, retail banking, payments technology and housing sectors. He is sought out for matters requiring strategic foresight, bipartisan coalition building and engagement with senior lawmakers and committee leadership. His experience with moderate members of Congress helps him identify pivotal decision‑makers and craft approaches that resonate.

Zach offers policymakers pragmatic options that bridge political and ideological divides. His advocacy includes longstanding representation in the pharmaceutical industry, veterans’ health services, agribusiness and emerging technology. Clients rely on him for policy insight and strategic guidance informed by a nuanced understanding of congressional dynamics and political risk.

Zach forges durable relationships between clients and stakeholders throughout the Democratic Caucus—from House leadership and committee chairs to senior staff—and tailors messaging for key intra‑caucus coalitions, including the Blue Dogs, New Democrats and leadership‑aligned members. A prolific Democratic fundraiser, he supports the next generation of party leadership and positions clients alongside emerging voices as Congress undergoes a generational transition.

Prior to joining Brownstein, Zach was legislative director for Rep. Larry Kissell (D‑NC) and held roles in the office of Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D‑IN), Sen. Evan Bayh’s (D‑IN) presidential exploratory committee and the Carter‑Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform. He later served as the senior House Democratic lobbyist for the Credit Union National Association.

Practices:

Industries:

TRENDING ISSUES:

Representative Matters

  • Secured funding for a pilot loan loss reserve fund for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Represented on behalf of a financial services technology company. This effort had been supported by the Obama administration but was never funded, and had been omitted from President Trump’s budget. Successfully advocated for the inclusion of $5 million forFY2020 Appropriations, which was carried during negotiations and included in final legislation.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, advised multiple clients on the process to becoming new lenders under the Paycheck Protection Program and engaged the Small Business Administration to secure their expedited approval.
  • Managed a successful campaign to save an industry pension plan on the verge of insolvency, resulting in a multi-billion dollar inclusion in an end-of-year spending bill. Required persistent engagement with House and Senate leadership from both parties and advocacy before senior leaders on the House Ways and Means Committee and House Natural Resources Committee.

Insights & Publications

Insights & Publications

Credentials

Education

  • M.A., 2007, Johns Hopkins University, Government and Political Communication
  • B.A., 2006, DePauw University, cum laude

Memberships

Johns Hopkins Alumni Association

DePauw University – Washington, DC Alumni Regional Chapter

National Democratic Club

Indiana State Society

North Carolina State Society

The Exchequer Club

Community Involvement

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Member, Pratt Contemporaries, Enoch Pratt Free Library System

Former, Junior Council Member, Children’s National Medical Center

Former, Junior Board Member, National Capital Area Alzheimer’s Association 

Recognition

AWARDS

Washingtonian, The 500 Most Influential People Shaping Policy, 2025

Top Lobbyists, The Hill, 2020-2025

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