Capitol Hill Veterans Launch Political Consulting Practice for Cutting Edge Climate Solutions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2021
Media Contact: Brian Willis, Brian.Willis@PioneerPublicAffairs.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pioneer Public Affairs formally launched its political consulting practice today, starting off with a strong base of climate, clean energy, and progressive clients intent on delivering results on Capitol Hill and communities across America.
“There are a lot of different interests that drive Washington, but we are passionate about our work because we believe in the projects and causes we take on. There is no substitute for a strong team that is purpose-driven,” said Joe Britton, the founder of Pioneer, who most recently served as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. “We will collectively leverage our institutional knowledge and personal relationships to deliver results. Without overcomplicating it, we will work with our clients to identify educational and leadership opportunities to help policymakers achieve the outcomes they came to Washington for in the first place.”
Since early 2020, Britton has been building the firm’s core team, who are uniquely suited to advancing their clients' solutions in a host of policy areas, from addressing the climate crisis through sustainable buildings, green hydrogen, forest carbon, and carbon sequestration, to other progressive causes that help working families and struggling regions. This team includes:
Charlie Ellsworth, former budget staffer for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer,
Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, the U.S. Representative for “We Don’t Have Time” and founder of Adapt to Thrive,
Eric Washburn, former top energy and environmental staffer for Majority Leaders Daschle and Reid,
Brian Willis, former Federal Press Secretary for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign,
Jake Jackson, former energy and environment staffer for Rep. Xochitl Torres Small,
Sofya Olenicheva, UVA alumna and environmental advocate.
“During my time in the Senate, I most valued finding creative policy solutions during key debates, from the Affordable Care Act to the American Rescue Plan, and I look forward to doing the same at Pioneer,” said Charlie Ellsworth, who recently led Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s reconciliation efforts and joined Pioneer’s team in April. “Today, federal policymakers face an inflection point for our nation’s future, and it will be a prosperous one for all Americans if we value foremost our truly scarce resources: our people and our planet.”
Pioneer’s public launch comes during a crucial time for climate action and other progressive causes in Washington, D.C., where effective navigation of Congress and the Administration will be decisive for success or failure. Pioneer is at its best translating the ideas and passion of these leading clean energy companies and ESG interests into practical action on Capitol Hill.
“Federal policy that prioritizes the social and economic wellbeing of American communities, while also attracting private investment and diverse inclusion practices in industry is vital to the future of our country and our climate,” said Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, the U.S. Representative for “We Don’t Have Time” and founder of Adapt to Thrive. “We’re not only committed to helping policymakers stay informed on the latest technologies, social movements, and organizations focused on climate solutions, but also help policymakers work with them to solve difficult problems head on.”
With the solar and wind energy industries having charted a path for climate policy, Pioneer is supporting other emerging, game-changing clean energy technologies that will accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our clients are storing carbon through better forest management, using innovative bio-oils to sequester carbon deep underground, and creating the policy framework needed to support a massive expansion of green hydrogen that will radically decarbonize the transportation and heavy industrial sectors. Pioneer was established to advocate for transformative low carbon technologies and social causes that benefit American families and our public health.
“If my decades in Washington have taught me anything, it’s that you should seize the moment and do big things when the stars align,” said Eric Washburn, a former top energy and environmental staffer for Majority Leaders Daschle and Reid. “With the talent we have at Pioneer, and the sharp focus on low-carbon, clean energy policymaking, we are perfectly positioned to assist our clients to thrive in this time of rapid change.”
For more information on Pioneer’s official launch, please follow its twitter handle at @PioneerPublic.
