Photo of new hire

(Washington, DC – 12/11/2024) Elevate Government Affairs is thrilled to announce that Michelle Barlow Richardson will join the firm on January 13, 2025, as an Executive Vice President.

“I am excited to join the talented team at Elevate Government Affairs,” said Michelle Barlow Richardson. “Elevate’s team of professionals is second to none, and I look forward to contributing to their commitment to delivering results for their current clients and future ones. This opportunity allows me to couple my skills and experience with theirs as we navigate the complex legislative and regulatory challenges facing job creators today.”

With 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill, Michelle brings deep expertise in Republican politics and an expansive network of relationships across the legislative, business, and political landscape to the Elevate team. For nearly two decades, Michelle served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS). She played a critical role in legislative strategy, policy development, and constituency engagement, supporting Senator Wicker’s leadership on key committees, including the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; Environment and Public Works Committee; Rules and Administration Committee; the Helsinki Commission; and Senate Armed Services Committee where he will serve as the Chairman next Congress.

Throughout her distinguished career, Michelle successfully managed legislative transitions, spearheaded high-profile initiatives, and advised on Republican campaign strategies. Michelle supported Senator Wicker’s leadership role as Chairman of Senate Commerce during the 117th Congress and led a successful effort that saw the Senator elected to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NSRC) Chairman in 2014. Her work has spanned domestic and international issues.

“Michelle is a fantastic addition to our team,” said Rob Chamberlin, Co-Founder of Elevate. “She brings years of Hill experience, has a great reputation for getting things done in a partisan environment and is particularly adept at navigating the politics on thorny issues. She will be an asset to our existing client base and a huge advocate for the Defense and Commerce communities as well as issues important to the people of Mississippi. We are excited for her to join us.”

A native of Clinton, Mississippi, Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University.

About Elevate Government Affairs: Elevate’s founding mission is to employ our bipartisan collaborative culture and provide value to our clients at every level of government by elevating their government affairs engagement to deliver measurable results against their policy priorities.