Gephardt Government Affairs today announced that Rob Epplin, former Legislative Director to Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and veteran Senate Republican staffer, has joined the firm as a Vice President. Rob brings 23 years of federal government experience in the U.S. Senate and Administration, and he will provide clients with budget and tax advice in addition to guidance on Senate procedure.
Gephardt Government Affairs President & CEO Dick Gephardt commented, "We are thrilled to have Rob on board. With two decades of experience in federal government on tax and budget issues, Rob has just the kind of background that is critical to excellent client service."
"Rob is a significant hire for us, expanding our bipartisan capabilities on tax and homeland security services," said Gephardt Government Affairs Co-Founder Tom O'Donnell. "He further deepens our roster of Republican advocates including longtime GOP strategist and former FAA spokesperson Scott Brenner, and former House Republican Leadership communications' advisor and TSA official Tom Blank."
Rob commented, "It's a great opportunity to join a firm that has a bipartisan appeal and top notch reputation. I look forward to bringing my background and depth in the Senate over the last two decades to help Gephardt Government Affairs in budget, tax, trade and a diverse number of issues."
Prior to his role in Senator Collins' office, Rob previously served as a professional staffer at the Senate Finance Committee. He also handled tax and trade issues in a variety of legislative roles in the office of Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) between 1997 and 2009.
Before that, Rob served in a variety of roles in the federal government, including as an analyst at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and as an aide in the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Education under Lamar Alexander. He is widely respected for expertise in policy, legislative process and strategic planning on budget and appropriations issues.
###
Gephardt Government Affairs was founded in 2007 by former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and specializes in helping clients develop political and public policy strategies. Learn more about our team at: www.gephardtDC.com.
The heavy posturing in Washington over fiscal policy makes it difficult to focus on the stark reality presented by the Congressional Budget Office.
Breaux and Gephardt. Gerard and Maloney. Berman and Podesta. According to First Street, these were among the most powerful lobbyists in Washington this year.
...Tom O'Donnell, Gephardt Government Affairs Group. O'Donnell and his former Capitol Hill boss, ex-House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt (Mo.), have done well since joining forces...
Read More
Gephardt's former chief of staff Tom O'Donnell talks to National Journal about post-debt ceiling debate prospects for bipartisanship.
Read More
Video: How Will FAA Crisis Affect You?
Watch Video
Debt-limit votes have been called the "burden of the majority" — an unpleasant chore that needed to be done by whichever party happens to be in power.
Read More
Christina Hamilton, Former Chief of Staff to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey, will join the firm. As a Senior Vice President with the firm, Christina will support the firm’s health, energy, transportation, trade and appropriations clients.
Watch Video
Life on the outside after more than 41 years in Congress hasn’t been much different for former House Appropriations Chairman David Obey, D-Wis. — or so it seems.
Read More
Dick Gephardt participated in Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s welcoming lunch honoring Her Excellency Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Watch Video
Gephardt Government Affairs President & CEO Dick Gephardt announced that Former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey will join the firm.
Read More