Ed Gillespie
Ed Gillespie

Ed Gillespie, who narrowly lost the 2017 Virginia governor race to Ralph Northam and the 2014 Virginia Senate race to Mark Warner, will chair Sard Verbinnen & Co.'s freshly launched public affairs group in DC.

The former chairman of the Republican National Committee founded powerhouse Quinn Gillespie & Assocs lobbying firm with Jack Quinn, VP Al Gore's chief of staff and President Clinton's White House counsel.

Gillespie also served as White House counsel to George W. Bush.

“Ed’s unparalleled experience in business, politics and government will be an important asset to SVC’s clients, said George Sard and Paul Verbinnen in a statement. "In addition to his expertise in public affairs, he has advised clients on M&A and crisis situations and counseled CEOs and boards through significant transitions and corporate challenges.”

Former deputy US Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro and Purple Strategies co-founder Bruce Hayes head SV&C's Washington outpost and vice chair the PA group, which is to offer strategic counsel on high-stake events (M&As, government investigations, issues management and crises).