Ryan Bernstein has been promoted to the director of McGuireWoods Consulting’s federal affairs group.
Ryan has been with McGuireWoods Consulting for seven years and has extensive experience in federal policy related to agriculture, energy, transportation, appropriations and trade. In 2024, he was recognized by The Hill as a top lobbyist for the fifth consecutive year.
Ryan previously worked as the chief of staff and counsel to U.S. Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota and was senior advisor to three North Dakota governors — Jack Dalrymple, John Hoeven and Ed Schafer.
Ryan’s combined 18 years in the North Dakota governor’s office and U.S. Senate has primed him to take on the direction of McGuireWoods Consulting’s federal affairs team. In particular, Bernstein has first-hand experience with federal energy and tax policy, both a main focus of the Trump administration and Congress.
“I had the privilege of working in the Senate the last time Congress passed a major tax bill,” Ryan said. “I saw it from the inside and now I get to work on it on the outside. Experiences like that have been very valuable in learning how to shape policy for our clients in this environment.”
With the rapid policy initiatives coming from Washington, D.C., Ryan looks forward to leveraging McGuireWoods Consulting’s unique approach and resources in federal affairs. “We have the resources not only in Washington, D.C., with our federal consultants, but also our partnership with an AM Law 100 law firm and our strong network of state-based lobbying practices across the country,” Ryan said. “It gives us great depth of relationships, capabilities and knowledge.”
Ryan is taking on this position as former director Paul Reagan retires after 10 years with McGuireWoods Consulting.
“Ryan is a terrific leader,” Paul said. “He understands how Congress and federal agencies work and holds great relationships within the Trump administration. The firm’s federal team will thrive under Ryan’s leadership.”
Ryan underscores the team’s long-standing bipartisan relationships with policymakers and colleagues as well as its emphasis on forging new stakeholder relationships at a time when the federal policy landscape is rapidly changing.
“It’s rewarding to bring together relationships that are integral to making a difference in policy for clients and for issues that we all care very much for,” Ryan said.
McGuireWoods Consulting chairman Mark Bowles echoes Ryan: “The very fluid debate in Washington requires businesses of all stripes to have their finger on the pulse of the federal government,” Bowles said. “Our federal affairs group has just such a collection of professionals and we are very fortunate to be led by Ryan Bernstein, whose deep experience comes with keen insight into how companies should react in today’s environment.”
McGuireWoods Consulting President and CEO Gov. Jim Hodges emphasizes Ryan’s unique state and federal policy experience.
“A veteran of Capitol Hill with a strong background in state government in his home state of North Dakota, Ryan is held in high regard by key decision makers in Washington. He has a unique knowledge of tax and trade policy, the appropriations process, energy and agricultural policy,” Hodges said. “At a moment when Congress is considering how to handle far-reaching legislative actions, his knowledge is certain to be a great benefit for our clients.”
