Former Senior Congressional Aide Bolsters Firm’s National Security And Financial Services Offering

Washington, D.C. – March 14, 2011: BGR Government Affairs announced today that Erskine W. Wells, an eight-year veteran of the House and Senate, has joined the firm as Vice President. Erskine will help represent the bipartisan firm’s diverse clients on Capitol Hill based on the expertise he gained as a senior congressional aide.

Prior to joining BGR, Erskine served as Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-MS), a Deputy GOP Whip who serves on the Armed Services, Banking and Commerce Committees.  Erskine previously served the Senator as Deputy Legislative Director and Military Legislative Assistant.  With Top Secret clearance, Erskine’s Senate portfolio included Department of Defense, State Department, Intelligence and Homeland Security policy issues. 

Erskine also staffed Mr. Wicker in the House, where his responsibilities included transportation, telecommunications and appropriations.  For four years in both the House and Senate, Erskine worked on financial services, taxes and housing policy issues.

"Since BGR’s inception, the firm has consistently recruited professionals who can bring policy expertise to our lobbying practice." said Lanny Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of BGR Group, the parent company of BGR Government Affairs. “Erskine will immediately add value to the work we perform on behalf of clients and help us deliver the results they have come to expect.”

In addition to working for then-Congressman Wicker, Erskine’s experience in the House of Representatives includes serving as Chief of Staff to freshman Representative Steve Palazzo (R-MS). Erskine led efforts to establish the new Congressman’s offices in Washington, D.C. and Mississippi.  As part of his responsibilities, Erskine worked closely with the chiefs of staff to the other 86 new House Republicans elected in November 2010.

According to Erskine, "While I will miss working for the State of Mississippi and Senator Wicker, I am honored to join BGR.  I have long known and respected my new colleagues at BGR, and I am thrilled to bring my experience and contacts to help the firm’s clients."

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For More Information/Interviews Contact:

Loren Monroe, Principal, BGR Group
202/333-4936; LMonroe@bgrdc.com