Venable LLP is pleased to announce that Richard Ward has joined the firm as a senior policy advisor in the Legislative and Government Affairs Practice in the Washington, DC office. Mr. Ward is a skilled advisor with more than a decade of experience in government relations, critical infrastructure, national security, communications policy, industry-government coordination, advocacy, coalition-building, and crisis communication.
Most recently, Mr. Ward worked as the senior director of government relations for the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), which is the association representing all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. There, he led the development and implementation of a federal affairs strategy to advance the electric sector’s priorities in cyber and grid security, resilience, communications, privacy, and drones. In addition, he helped to advance electric sector interests and served as a liaison to the Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, Defense, Commerce, the FBI, the White House National Security Council, and other critical infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining EEI, Richard served as communications advisor for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and as senior press advance representative at the White House for President George W. Bush.
Joshua H. Raymond, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Rich’s experience will enhance our offering to clients who are committed to developing the infrastructure and security required to advance electric sector priorities. He is a wonderful addition to our team of skilled advisors.”
William R. Nordwind, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Rich is widely regarded in the field. His experience leading projects and guiding strategy across the federal government and the electric power industry is unmatched.”
Commenting on his move to Venable, Mr. Ward said, “For my next chapter, I wanted a firm where I can leverage my experience with a strong bipartisan government relations platform, along with deep energy and infrastructure regulatory and legal practices.”
Mr. Ward received his M.A. in Government from Johns Hopkins University in 2011, and his B.A. in American Studies from Yale University in 2003.
Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients’ objectives in the United States and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit https://www.venable.com/.
