(WASHINGTON, DC) – Gephardt Government Affairs today announced Tom Blank has joined the firm as an Executive Vice President. Blank brings decades of business and government experience having served as the top public affairs executive for two NYSE corporations, two federal agencies and the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Blank also served in senior positions during the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following 9/11. He was awarded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 9/11 Service Medal for his work as the first head of security policy with liaison responsibilities to airlines and airports.
Blank’s work at GGA will include providing advocacy for a number of clients in the security technology, transportation and international arenas. With Blank’s hire, GGA now has a professional staff of 17.
Blank stated: “Gephardt Government Affairs has already been recognized as one of the best DC government affairs shops under the leadership of Dick Gephardt and Tom O’Donnell. It is a privilege to join the top shelf professionals working here. The firm has a solid feel for the challenges facing businesses on a global scale. I look forward to being a part of the outstanding team that Tom and Dick have built.”
Gephardt Government Affairs President and CEO Dick Gephardt stated: “We are pleased that Tom is joining our firm and expanding our capability to solve problems for clients operating at the federal level. His long experience in the corporate sector, as a small businessman, Congressional staffer and Executive Branch leader brings the right mix of public affairs skills and a proven track record that we have found over the years delivers successful outcomes for clients.”
Tom’s federal experience includes two stints on Capitol Hill and service at the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, as well as at the U.S. Agency for International Development. In related service in 2001, he was tapped to serve as President and CEO of the congressionally chartered non-profit Fund for the Capitol Visitor Center, which raised $40 million for the project.
In 2002, Tom joined the fledgling TSA and held senior posts in security policy, finance, acquisition and security technology management. He left TSA in late 2005 after serving as the Acting Deputy Administrator. Since leaving the agency he has been consulting on a range of public affairs issues.
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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.
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