Today, Michael Best Strategies is announcing a new state and federal effort to advocate for clients aiming to help public schools, private schools, parents, and community organizations improve the education of American schoolchildren.
The team, led by firm President Rob Marchant, consists of education policy experts and lobbyists from around the country, including:
- Nick Paradiso, former Chief of Advocacy and Business Relations for National Heritage Academies
- Dan Forest, former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
- Jim Bender, former President of School Choice Wisconsin
- Bill McCoshen, former Commerce Secretary and education policy expert in Wisconsin
- Sarah Helton, veteran federal education policy lobbyist with Michael Best DC
This core team will be supported by boots-on-the-ground lobbyists in each state in which Michael Best Strategies is engaged. This multi-state and federal initiative is focused on ensuring that policies at the state and federal level are optimized for the educational achievement of K-12 schoolchildren, regardless of where they receive their education. The firm has a particular expertise in representing education technology companies who partner with schools and parents to support achievement.
“Children lost ground over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Marchant. “As advocates for sound education policy, effective use of technology and innovation, and supporters of schools and parents, we can help clients bring quality solutions forward across the states and in DC.”
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Preview Attorney's BiographyRob helps clients grow their businesses by identifying strategic opportunities and designing and implementing programs that achieve their goals. His work comprises a full range of services related to public policy strategy, including government relations, lobbying, strategic planning, and public relations.
Preview Attorney's BiographyJim brings considerable experience to his role with Michael Best Strategies. Prior to joining Strategies, he served as President and founder of Wisconsin-based Bender Consulting LLC. Jim was a policy consultant, lobbyist, and public relations advisor to his clients on a range of issues, with an emphasis on education reform. He was instrumental in developing and advocating for many of the laws and policies that currently guide Wisconsin’s education reform programs across state statute ...
James Bender*
*Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.
Preview Attorney's BiographyDan leads Michael Best Strategies’ bipartisan government relations, public affairs, and lobbying work throughout North Carolina. A former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, he also provides clients with strategic advice and counsel, tapping into his extensive experience and knowledge of North Carolina public policy and politics.
During Dan’s eight-year tenure as Lieutenant Governor, he served as President of the North Carolina Senate, as Chairman of the Energy Policy Council, an ...
Daniel Forest*
*Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.
Preview Attorney's BiographyAs a Partner on the Michael Best Strategies' federal government relations team with over ten years of experience, Sarah brings a strong legal background and understanding of where law and policy intersect.
Preview Attorney's BiographyBill is a Partner with Michael Best Strategies. His combined decades of experience in the Wisconsin Governor’s office, as cabinet secretary, and as a successful lobbyist enable him to be an effective advisor and advocate for clients.
William McCoshen*
*Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.