Who We Are
Agora was founded on the premise that putting the needs and values of its clients first is the key to advocacy success. That even in a challenging political environment, you can achieve great things when you share a commitment to making a positive change.
Learn more about our team and what we've accomplished below.
Our Approach
Our work is driven by these core principles:
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Engaging in the civic process is the lifeblood of our democracy.
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Every client is different, and so every solution must be unique.
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Virtually every policy challenge has a winning solution; our job is to guide you towards success.
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We tell it like it is: we won't BS you with unrealistic expectations and rosy scenarios.
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We are as invested in your policy outcomes as you are - because we care about our country's future, too.
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Everybody can be a good advocate, with a little practice and training - and we'll help you get there.
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With the right team and the right strategy, there's nothing we can't accomplish.
Combining a passion for forward-thinking public policy with a commitment to giving everyone a voice in the civic process, Andrew is a recognized leader in building advocacy programs on both sides of the Atlantic.
After studying architecture and design at the University of Pennsylvania, Andrew got his start in politics running local and state campaigns. In Washington, Andrew served as a top legislative aide to key members of Congress, helping two freshman members establish their policy agendas and enact far-reaching legislation.
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After a stint in the UK, where he created a parliamentary lobbying program for a British healthcare association, Andrew was named the first-ever full-time executive director of Democrats Abroad, the party's overseas arm. Andrew then moved to the American Institute of Architects. There, he rose from manager of federal regulatory relations to become senior director of federal relations and ultimately managing director of government relations and advocacy, transforming its advocacy program to raise the profile of its members in Washington and push several landmark bills to enactment.
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Andrew has served as a media spokesperson for several organizations and has been quoted in Politico, Roll Call, the Hill, the Washington Post, and others.
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A native New Yorker, Andrew lives in Maryland with his wife, two kids and dog. He has served as cubmaster of his son's cub scout pack and is assistant coach in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase (BCC) baseball league. He is an unabashed Yankees fan, but will work with Red Sox fans on a case-by-case basis.
Our Track Record
AGORA’s strength is that we’ve been there, building advocacy programs that win .
Our team has:
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Formed national coalitions to enact legislation.
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Drafted and helped enact legislation, congressional amendments and regulations.
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Built political strategic plans for groups ranging from 20k-100k members.
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Secured Congressional testimony and prepped company and association leaders for Hill appearances.
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Crafted winning media messages for national organizations.
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Created 501c organizations to promote major policy issues.
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Developed effective advocacy training curricula and ran advocacy training conferences.
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Written speeches, op-eds and more for members of Congress and national political leaders.
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Spearheaded association Capitol Hill lobby days and fly-ins.
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Secured government grants and funding worth millions of dollars.
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