(Washington, DC – 6/23/26) Elevate is excited to announce three talented additions to our growing team.
Chris Leahy has joined the firm as an Executive Vice President. Chris brings decades of Capitol Hill and private sector expertise, having most recently spearheaded LongView Public Strategies, where he led regulatory engagement across the energy, technology, and financial services sectors.
Chris brings a wealth of experience to the firm. As Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Intuit, Chris engaged with leading policymakers in the AI governance, data, and financial services spaces, securing the Department of Justice’s approval for $20 billion in acquisitions. As Vice President of Government Affairs for Bayer, Chris played a key role in positioning the life sciences company in the record-breaking cash acquisition of Monsanto. Prior to his time at Bayer, Chris led federal government affairs at Peabody Energy, where he was deeply involved in power generation, environmental, and mining policy.
“Throughout his career, Chris has time and time again delivered significant policy and regulatory wins leading bipartisan teams, which is core to Elevate’s success,” said Co-Founder and Principal Rob Chamberlin. “With energy, federal AI and data governance at the forefront of today’s policy landscape, the firm looks forward to tapping into his extensive knowledge to ensure our client priorities are at the front and center of policy discussions.”
Chris is also a Capitol Hill veteran, having served as the Majority Policy Coordinator and Senior Counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee under former Chair Joe Barton (R-TX). During his Hill tenure, Chris advised members on energy, tech, and consumer protection issues across the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Departments of Commerce and Transportation. In addition to authoring several important data security and privacy bills, Chris played an integral role in founding the Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus.
Chris has been named a Top Corporate Lobbyist by The Hill and is an active member on several prominent leadership councils and boards, including the Meridian International Center and The Congressional Award.
“I’m excited to join the Elevate team. The firm’s reputation and the value it brings to its clients presented an opportunity I could not miss out on,” shared Leahy. “I look forward to contributing my expertise and experience to a team already rich in both.”
Chris attended the University of Pennsylvania for his bachelor’s degree, where he was a member of the Varsity Track and Field team. He earned his J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law.
The Elevate team is thrilled to welcome Chris. His deep expertise and policy network will no doubt provide an immediate benefit to our clients.
Amanda Hampton recently joined Elevate as a Manager. Amanda brings four years of government relations experience working on behalf of national transportation trade associations, including the Coalition for America’s Gateways & Trade Corridors. Amanda closely followed federal legislative and regulatory developments affecting ports, railroads, motor carriers, state transportation departments, and additional supply chain stakeholders to advise clients on activities shaping their federal priorities.
Amanda began her career by interning in the Office of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.
In addition to the immense value she adds to our client services, Amanda will manage our talented team of Associates and Senior Associates.
Caitlin Brawley has joined the team as an Associate. A recent graduate of the Catholic University of America, Caitlin has completed several internships on the Hill, including on the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. During her time as a student, Caitlin researched Russian aggression in the Arctic and the role of NATO in hybrid conflicts. She anticipates the publication of her work this summer.
Caitlin is a terrific addition to our team and Elevate looks forward to the impact she will make for our clients.
“The addition of Chris, Amanda, and Caitlin reflects the tremendous growth Elevate has experienced over the past seven years,” shared Co-Founder and Principal Jeff Markey. “We remain committed to raising our clients’ needs above Washington’s gridlock and delivering legislative and regulatory wins – the future is bright at Elevate Government Affairs.”
About Elevate Government Affairs: Elevate’s founding mission is to employ our bipartisan collaborative culture and provide value to our clients at every level of government by elevating their government affairs engagement to deliver measurable results against their policy priorities.
