NEWS

Washington, DC (Jan. 24, 2024) – Mehlman Consulting announced today that Nichole Distefano and Paul Thornell are the newest partners at the bipartisan firm. “Naming Nichole and Paul as partners reflects their incredible talent and passion for helping clients successfully navigate the Washington landscape,” said David Thomas, senior Democratic partner at the firm. “We also look forward to the leadership they will bring to help guide the firm’s growth and strategic engagement both on Capitol Hill and across the Administration.”

Celebrating its 20th year, Mehlman Consulting is one of the most respected and effective bipartisan government relations firms in Washington, DC. Its partners and principals have decades of political and policy experience and are well-versed in the hard but critical work of government relations. Mehlman Consulting is consistently ranked among Washington’s top 10 lobbying firms.

Nichole Distefano is an attorney and policy professional with more than 14 years of legislative and political expertise, serving both on Capitol Hill and in the Administration.

Prior to joining Mehlman Consulting, Nichole served as legislative director for United States Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and as the Senator’s strategic policy advisor during her re-election efforts.

Nichole also spent more than three years as a political appointee in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, serving as the Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of Congressional Relations and then as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations.

Paul Thornell brings more than 20 years of experience serving in leadership roles in the financial services sector, non-profit organizations, trade associations, the White House, Capitol Hill and Presidential campaigns. His work across policy, politics, regulatory, and advocacy arenas gives him unique perspectives and an impressive track record of results.

Prior to joining the firm, Paul served for over 12 years in the Washington office of Citigroup. Paul also has considerable experience in the non-profit world, previously serving as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Field Leadership at United Way of America (now United Way Worldwide), the nation’s largest charity. Earlier in his career, Paul served in several senior governmental roles including at the White House as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Vice President Al Gore, on the Leadership staff of Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD). Additionally, Paul serves as the Board Chair of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

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