Lobbyists

Bio, via Alabama Farmers Federation:

Gray has decades of political experience on and off Capitol Hill and formerly served as National Affairs director for the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. Previously, he was a legislative assistant for then-U.S. Rep. Terry Everett, R-Alabama, who served on the House Agriculture Committee. More recently, Gray was president of Gray Matter Consulting, LLC. “Agriculture is woven into the fabric of America’s rural communities. Providing crop insurance tools for farmers is important for them to manage and mitigate risks in farming,” said Gray, who grew up in Tallassee. “President Trump and Secretary Perdue have proven they are committed to farmers and are focused on improving services to them.” RMA manages the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to provide crop insurance products to America’s farmers and ranchers. Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) sell and service Federal crop insurance policies through a public-private partnership with RMA. The agency backs AIPs who share risks associated with catastrophic losses due to major weather events. “Our agency is determined to provide better service to our customers — American farmers — and USDA is focused on how we can deliver farm programs better and more efficiently,” Gray said. “This is an exciting opportunity for me, and I am happy to serve USDA and be a part of this team.” RMA Administrator Martin Barbre, an Illinois farmer, was appointed earlier this year and was sworn in by Perdue April 30. He is the former president of the National Corn Growers Association. “We’re really fortunate to have Keith on board at RMA,” Barbre said. "His extensive background in agriculture and grasp of the issues that farmers care about will help us achieve many of our goals — from expanding the farm safety net to increasing access to capital for beginning farmers.” Federation President Jimmy Parnell congratulated Gray on his appointment. “Keith has an excellent record of serving Alabama farmers, and we’re excited about the opportunity for him to put his knowledge and experience to work for USDA and farmers across America,” Parnell said. Gray is a preferred trainer and chair of the Grants Management Committee of the Grant Professionals Association. He is also a trainer for the National Grants Management Association. Gray graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in political science and a master’s in public administration. He also is a graduate of the George Mason School of Law in Arlington, Virginia. He is district chairman of Colonial District in northern Virginia and an executive board member of the Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area Council. He and wife Nicole live in Alexandria, Virginia, and have two children.

Bio, via Michigan State University:

Zead A. Haddad, ’98, senior policy advisor, U.S. Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC, has joined Baker & Daniels Consulting as vice president. Previous positions include statewide campaign manager for the reelection of Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Young, Jr., and associate director of presidential personnel at the White House. Additionally, he has held various positions on both state and national political campaigns and initiatives. Haddad was a member of the DOE team on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.

Bio, via Department of Health and Human Services:

Eric D. Hargan was sworn into office as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on Oct. 6, 2017. Previously Mr. Hargan was an attorney, most recently a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Chicago office in the Health and FDA Business department, where he focused his practice on transactions, healthcare regulations and government relations. He represented investors, companies, and individuals in healthcare investments and issues across the entire sector. From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Hargan served at HHS in a variety of capacities, ultimately holding the position of Acting Deputy Secretary. During his tenure at HHS, Mr. Hargan also served as the Department’s Regulatory Policy Officer, overseeing the development and approval of all HHS, CMS, and FDA regulations and significant guidances. Prior to this role, he served HHS as Deputy General Counsel. More recently, he was tapped by Governor Bruce Rauner to serve during transition as lead co-chair for Gov. Rauner’s Healthcare and Human Services committee. During his time in Illinois, Mr. Hargan taught at Loyola Law School in Chicago, focusing on administrative law and healthcare regulations. He was a member of the U.S. government team at the inaugural U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue in Beijing in 2006-2007, worked with the State Department’s Bureau of Arms Control to advance biosecurity in developing nations, and initiated and led the HHS team that developed the first responses to international food safety and importation issues in 2007. He received his B.A. cum laude from Harvard University, and his J.D. from Columbia University Law School, where he was Senior Editor of the Columbia Law Review. Mr. Hargan also received a Certificate in International Law from the Parker School of Foreign and Comparative Law at Columbia University. Before returning to Washington, D.C., Mr. Hargan lived in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and their two sons.

Bio, via LinkedIn:

20 years of experience in communications, public relations, government relations, public affairs, and legislative policy. Consulting advisor to college conference commissioner, Midwestern governor, and federal campaigns. Worked with Fortune 100 corporate clients including HP, FedEx, IBM, Enron, Compaq and MCI on government affairs, grassroots outreach, lobbying, crisis and integrity communications, and media relations. Senior strategic advisor and spokesperson for three U.S. senators in an official capacity as well as in campaigns for Senate, governor, and president including fundraising and PAC management. Led DC office for the world's largest tax services provider and fourth largest U.S. retailer

Bio, via International Franchise Association:

Dean A. Heyl (CFE), Vice President Government Relations and Tax Counsel, is responsible for federal, state and local issues affecting the franchise model in addition to providing research and advice on tax issues. Heyl previously worked for the Direct Selling Association as a state and federal lobbyist and was the Executive Director of the Coalition for Affordable Accounting. His public sector experience includes serving as a senior advisor in the offices of the Idaho Attorney General and Governor. From 2008 – 2011, he sat on the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council, which advises the IRS on tax administration policy, programs, and initiatives.