Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Welcomes Political Rising Star

Philadelphia, November 14, 2016— Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies today announced that Kevin Washo, an active figure in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania politics, has joined the firm as government relations principal. In this role, Mr. Washo will advise corporate and nonprofit clients on strategic engagement with the political and legislative processes. He will also act as a liaison to key government stakeholders to assist clients with government relations across Pennsylvania as well as in Washington, D.C. He will be based in Public Strategies' Philadelphia office. Mr. Washo brings to the firm's clients more than a decade of experience, having served in various leadership positions in local, state and national government and politics. Kevin was formerly the Executive Director of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention.

“As a firm with a very active Pennsylvania presence and deep ties to the state, we are very excited to welcome Kevin to the team. His career path in Pennsylvania and success running the Host Committee exemplifies the respect and credibility he has with key city, state and federal officials as well as the private sector,” said Mark Alderman, chairman of Public Strategies'. “Kevin will be invaluable to helping our clients understand the political arena and strategic engagement with elected officials and stakeholders across all levels of government.”

"I am thrilled to join Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies where I believe my skills and experience in local, state and national politics will help continue the firm's momentum as a leader in government relations and public affairs," said Mr. Washo. "I have always admired Mark Alderman, Howard Schweitzer and the Public Strategies team, and the firm's unique combination of state and federal work for a broad base of clients make this an ideal place for me to continue my career. I look forward to helping clients navigate the complexities of politics and policy."

As Executive Director of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee, Mr. Washo managed and oversaw all aspects of the organization, including its operation, fundraising, external affairs, community outreach and strategic partnerships. He assumed this position after coordinating and leading Philadelphia’s winning bid to host the Convention. Lead liaison to the Democratic National Convention Committee, Mr. Washo also played a critical role in building a coalition of civic and corporate leaders necessary to successfully execute an event of that magnitude.

Mr. Washo previously served as Vice President of New Partners Consulting, a Washington, D.C.-based political affairs firm, where he advised a wide variety of clients on government affairs strategy. Prior, he served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party—from 2010 to 2013—during which time he steered the party to historic gains in the 2012 election, helping to secure victories for President Barack Obama, Senator Bob Casey, and all three row offices in Pennsylvania for the first time in state history. In addition to managing and overseeing Pennsylvania’s Democratic operation, Mr. Washo directed the State Party's relationship with a variety of Pennsylvania and national political entities and interest groups.

Mr. Washo also brings federal executive branch experience to Public Strategies, having served in the Obama Administration as White House Liaison to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this role, he acted as the main point of contact between the USDA and the White House and identified, hired and managed 235 presidential appointees as well as acted as the primary contact for the Office of White House Personnel to identify and vet candidates for Presidential appointments requiring Senate-confirmation.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Washo was a senior advisor to Senator Bob Casey, advising the Senator on federal and state issues, policies and legislation. He was also the Pennsylvania Political Director for then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.

Mr. Washo is a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Philadelphia. He received a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and now serves on the school’s Board of Trustees.

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies is a bipartisan government relations firm. It represents clients before the federal government in Washington, DC and state and local government in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. The firm’s professionals offer a full complement of government-affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management.

About Cozen O’Connor 

Established in 1970 and ranked among the top 100 law firms in America, Cozen O’Connor has more than 600 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor services its clients’ needs through 24 offices across two continents.