Michael J. Barron, M.P.A. Email & Phone Number

Capitol Hill Connect (CHC) is a government relations consulting firm that delivers strategic value to businesses, nonprofits, and foundations so they can build and sustain success in a highly competitive environment.This VA certified service-disabled, veteran-owned small business provides winning strategies that create access, affect advocacy and lead to action that informs and influences decisionmakers, influencers, and stakeholders.I launched Capitol Hill Connect in response to a growing need among government contractors serving the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security. Through my connections and knowledge of the legislative process, I help organizations build strong foundations and effective relationships with key federal and military decision-makers and congressional policymakers.My business is committed to the following goals:► Providing strategic value to private businesses, nonprofits, and foundations► Enabling clients to achieve and sustain success in a highly competitive environment► Expanding clients’ reach and sphere of influence to secure new and continuing business► Helping nonprofits determine their policy goals, identify whom they need to influence, and develop targeted advocacy campaigns. ► Delivering exceptional strategy, planning, and advice on government relations, legislative affairs, national security and foreign policy & leadership

Bethesda, Maryland, Us

JMH Group is a bipartisan consulting firm that identifies legislative vehicles as well as opportunities to work with Congress and authorizing committees as well as senior leadership in the Executive Branch. In addition to policy and appropriations, JMH is adept at securing introductions that accelerate client's product or service offerings in both the public and private sectors.A close friend and colleague introduced me to the JMH Leadership team to discuss opportunities for future consulting. Based on the success of that meeting, I joined them within days as both their Senior Advisor for National Security & Government Affairs as well as membership on their Corporate Board. I’m honored to support their initiatives in advocacy, public policy and business development on behalf of their clients.

New York, Ny, Us

The Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) is a global organization that connects Subject-Matter Experts with decision-makers who need additional insight around critical decisions. Its public/private network is one of the largest and most diversified in the world.I was invited to join GLG's Health Policy & Government Affairs Council based on my expertise in Government and Public Policy and Military & Veterans Health.

Washington, Dc, Us

The Veterans Administration is the second largest agency in the Federal government, with 3 sub-agencies of which the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest. Over 80% of the structure, resources, and budget are allocated to the VHA. It operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, comprised of 1200+ hospitals and clinics across the U.S and its territories. I was honored to be selected by senior leadership to serve in a new, single-year appointment as a highly qualified expert in both Legislative & Veteran Affairs. Duties and responsibilities were highly complex and sensitive in nature and required close interaction with Congress, the White House, other executive branch agency officials & senior leaders.I provided direct advice, counsel and recommendations to the Undersecretary for Health, the Deputy Secretary and the Secretary of the Veterans Administration about:— Legislative initiatives and policy, priorities and strategy affecting Veteran health care— Special projects and programs impacting Veteran health care policy— Relationships with members of Congress, key oversight committees, interagency contacts & external stakeholdersIn this role I successfully:► Spearheaded the creation of formalized support for the VA Mission Act to provide more options for and streamline healthcare delivery to veterans. ► Upgraded the technology across the VHA to improve rural and tribal area health care delivery via telehealth and the expansion of community health care.► Secured a significant increase in the 2020 operating budget to over $85 Billion.

Alexandria, Va, Us

MOAA is a top-ranked national nonprofit Military and Veteran service organization with over 390,000 members. For over 90 years it has represented and advocated on behalf of military service members, retirees, veterans & their families for their healthcare, pay and benefits, compensation, transition & education. I was introduced to the President & CEO of MOAA, who invited me to join his leadership team as budgets were tightening heading into Sequestration. I was eager to take on this Government Relations role based on my passion for Veterans’ issues and my prior experience in Congressional & Legislative Affairs. I provided advice, counsel and recommendations to MOAA’s President & CEO, Board Chairman, Board Members and national leadership to support of MOAA’s national legislative agenda.I successfully served as MOAA’s representative, lobbyist & subject-matter expert on military and veteran policy matters, including representing MOAA on the Executive Committee of The Military Coalition (TMC), whose 33 organizations advocate for over 5.5 million servicemembers, retirees, veterans & their families.These commitments and initiatives required close interaction & collaboration with:— Congress and the White House for National Policy Goals— State & Local Representatives for Grassroots Advocacy Campaigns— Strategic partners, stakeholders & MOAA’s national membership— The press for weekly interviews to increase awareness and support National Advocacy Campaigns— The Depts of Defense, Veterans Affairs, DOL, HHS & DHS for Servicemember & Veterans’ Issues.During this Sequestration period I was particularly proud of my involvement in: • Closing the military pay gap for the first time in 4 years • Negotiating a cap on Servicemember’s co-pays & increasing Veterans’ access to healthcare.• Increasing compensation for servicemembers, veterans and their families• Expanding advocacy to provide coverage for toxic exposure from burn pits in Afghanistan & Iraq

The Military Coalition is comprised of 34 nonprofit organizations and associations representing more than 5.5 million members of the uniformed services-active, reserve, retired, veterans, survivors and their families.I had the honor of being selected to represent the MOAA as a member of the Executive Committee, the senior leadership of The Military Coalition (TMC).TMC leadership works closely with Congress, the Departments of Defense, Veteran Affairs, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Commerce and Labor advocating to affect issues, legislation and policy outcomes in healthcare, pay and benefits, compensation, military family and survivor issues, financial readiness and transition, employment and education. In addition to serving on the Executive Committee, I was also elected by TMC‘s membership to serve as the Chairman of the Retiree Committee, which oversees issues and policy affecting the over 2.2 million military retirees and their families.Despite the constraints during this Sequestration period, I am proud of spearheading the following successful initiatives:► Increasing military pay, benefits and compensation to servicemembers, retirees and veterans for the first time in 4 years.► Negotiating with Congress to establish an affordable cap on co-payments for military health care.► Collaborating with Veterans Affairs and Congress to pass key legislation that significantly improved Veterans’ access to healthcare.► Increasing awareness with Congressional leadership about servicemembers’ toxic exposure to burn pits in Iraq & Afghanistan, helping to author legislation that addressed this critical issue for Veteran healthcare. Provisions were incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that were passed in 2018-2019.

Arlington, Va, Us

As Sequestration began to limit DoD budgets, Boeing promoted me to secure new revenue streams via an international portfolio, identified as a key growth opportunity for Boeing’s defense programs and business development activities across Europe, the EU, Israel and NATO.This role further expanded my collaboration with Congress, Federal Agencies, Foreign Embassies, and Trade Associations, along with both National and International Security Organizations. During my tenure in this position, I successfully :► Directed and promoted support that greatly expanded opportunities for business development growth with the UK, Israel, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, Germany and Switzerland.► Increased Boeing’s revenue multiple times over from NATO programs and EU defense business initiatives.

Arlington, Va, Us

The Boeing Company is the world’s largest aerospace company. At the time it had an annual revenue of over $65 billion and customers in over 150 countries. Boeing is recognized as a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems and also a service provider of aftermarket support. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems and performance-based logistics and training.I led and managed the representation of the Boeing defense programs portfolio to members of Congress, committees of oversight and key staff members and provided advice, counsel and recommendations to senior company leadership on legislative strategy, policies and operational program management in support of the Boeing Defense and Space (BDS) Long Range Business Plan (LRBP).During this period, I was recognized for: ► Expertly managing the multi-year contract authorization request and approval for the H-47 program, netting Boeing $5B in Fy2012.► Achieving a full Presidential Budget request above baseline, securing additional funding authorizations for all Army programs in the FY2010-2012 NDAAs, despite a tough fiscal environment.► Expanding year-over-year revenue streams despite the onset of Sequestration. In my division, I was the only recipient of the Boeing Business Development Leadership Awards in both 2011 and 2012.► Hitting the ground running within weeks of joining the company to launch a competitive legislative campaign strategy that convinced Congress to award Boeing the contract for the new KC-46 Tanker — a $60B win for the company.

Arlington County, Va, Us

The Secretary of the Army is the top civilian leader of the Army, responsible for over 1 million Active, Reserve and National Guard servicemembers and their families. The Secretary is nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.I was honored to be selected by the Secretary of the Army to serve as his Special Assistant. I had the opportunity to work closely with him in the two years prior to his confirmation, while I was serving under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. In this role I was responsible for:— Providing the Secretary with direct advice and support on senior Army legislative initiatives, special projects, programs and defense policies. — Advising the Undersecretary of the Army and the Chief of Army Legislative Liaison on political issues. legislative priorities, strategy and Senate confirmations. During this period I was especially proud of: ► Spearheading the planning, development and implementation of the Secretary's legislative strategy to gain and maintain congressional support for the programs and policy requirements for an Army of 1.3M personnel with an annual operating budget of $185B. ► Creating and launching a new transition plan for the incoming Obama Administration and the leadership of the Army with the Authorization and Appropriation Committees for Defense and Homeland Security, in addition to congressional leadership and senior professional staff.► Managing and coordinating the rollout with senior leadership reporting to the Secretary of Defense.► Receiving the Legion of Merit, awarded by the Secretary of the Army for my contributions in this role.

Washington, D.C., Us

As an Army Colonel serving in combat in Iraq, I was hand-selected by the 15th and then the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be their principal senior advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs. This was a period of two ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and continuous global military operations. In this high-visibility, high-pressure role I was simultaneously responsible for consistently managing the most sensitive senior level wartime national security strategy and policy, joint budget and global joint force requirement topics and issues between Congress, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense.To accomplish these goals, I simultaneously…1. Developed relationships & coordinated first-of-its-kind initiatives, actions and policy with the: — Defense Authorization and Appropriations Congressional Committees— Homeland Security Authorization and Appropriations Congressional Committee— Budget Committee— Intelligence Committee — Foreign Relations Committee — Congressional leadership, members, staff directors and professional staff — Joint Chiefs of Staff. 2. Advised regularly the following senior leaders on political issues and legislative priorities:— Secretary of Defense — Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff— Combatant Commanders — Joint Staff 3. Led and directed the 16-person Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of Legislative Affairs, managing and coordinating interagency communications with:— The Joint Chiefs — The White House— The Office of the Secretary of Defense— Department of State — Department of Homeland Security — The Armed Services — National Security Council — The CIA At the end of my term, I was honored when the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs awarded me the Defense Superior Service Medal for... “Expertly facilitating the confirmation of 2 Chairman and 2 Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 17 four-star level Combatant Commanders before the Senate.”

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), was the transitional government of Iraq established following the invasion of the country in 2003, by the U.S. led multinational force. The CPA was established in May 2003 and vested itself with executive, legislative and judicial authority over the Iraqi government, from 2003 to 2004.Senior Advisor to the Presidential Envoy and Chief Administrator in Iraq. Directed the planning, coordination, and execution of activities supporting governance and security policy planning and operations--post major combat operations and the transition to Iraqi civil governance.

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Advised the Combined Forces Land Component Commander and directed the collection, refinement, and analysis of observations during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in order to improve joint warfighting capabilities and post major combat security, stability, and support operations. Utilized tactical competence and strategic perspective to direct a 104 member team deployed throughout multiple locations and embedded with ground combat organizations in Iraq during major combat and post major combat operations.-Awarded Bronze Star Medal for actions that dramatically improved joint operational warfighting capabilities during OIF.

Washington, D.C., Us

Strategist for the Joint Advanced Warfighting Program, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A Secretary of Defense directed program that serves as a catalyst to identify, develop, and promote breakthrough change needed to transform Department of Defense full spectrum Joint Warfighting capabilities to meet future National and International Security challenges.Awarded Defense Meritorious Service Medal by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for outstanding leadership, achievement, and contributions to future Joint Warfighting concepts.

Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Us

The United States Army War College was founded in 1901 by President Theodore Roosevelt and Secretary of War Elihu Root to provide advanced professional military education and preparation for strategic leadership responsibilities for competitively selected senior military officers and their counterparts in federal agencies and foreign armed forces.The Army War College has provided the top senior military leadership in every major war and conflict throughout the 20th Century to today. Graduates of the War College include Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, George S. Patton, William F. Halsey, and H. Norman Schwartzkopf. The curriculum includes:• Examination of strategic creative and critical thinking• Examination of the nature of leadership in a strategic environment• International Law and Diplomacy• Examination of strategic management systems• Study of U.S. national and international security policy and national military strategy.

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Department of the Army competitively selected Battalion Commander (Lieutenant Colonel). Commander of an Infantry Training Battalion consisting of five Infantry companies with a strength of 1,200 soldiers. responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of Army Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT), and providing the Army with over 4,000 trained Infantry soldiers ready for immediate deployment worldwide annually. Provided support services for 500 family membersManaged an annual operating budget of $2.3 million and $125 million in organizational assets.Awarded Meritorious Service Medal by the Commanding General for outstanding leadership and superior achievement.

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

Served as the Army Liaison to the United States Senate, Office of the Secretary of the Army. represented the Secretary, Chief of Staff, other senior Army leaders, and the Army on a daily basis with Congress. Assisted members of the Senate and their staff in understanding the policies, actions, operations, and requirements of the Army. Recommended strategies, policies, and programs for congressional liaison with the Senate.

Washington, D.C., Us

The APSA and DOD Congressional Fellowship Program is a highly competitive process. Several hundred active-duty military officers compete annually from the four branches of military service. After I was selected by the Army as one of its 5 Congressional Fellows that year, I requested an opportunity to interview with Speaker Newt Gingrich. It was a unique opportunity and I am honored to be the only Congressional Fellow he ever selected for his staff. In this role, I primarily provided advice on defense and foreign policy issues. I traveled with The Speaker to several military installations and various War Colleges. During this period, we were involved in senior policy meetings at the Pentagon as well as extensive budget negotiations with the Clinton administration related to defense spending. I worked closely with the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services and Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Budget, along with the House and Senate leadership and the National Security Council in the Executive Office of the President at the White House.

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Fort Leavenworth, Ks, Us

Established in 1881 by then Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General William Tecumseh Sherman, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College is a competitively selected graduate school for the United States Army and sister service officers, interagency representatives, and international officers, that educates and develops leaders for full spectrum joint, interagency and multinational operations and advances the art and science of the profession of arms in support of Army operational requirements.

West Point, New York, Us

Founded in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson, the United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year Federal service academy, whose mission is to educate cadets for commissioning into the United States Army. It is the oldest of the five American service academies.

West Point, New York, Us

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Arlington, Virginia, Us

At the end of 4 years on an Army ROTC scholarship, I was commissioned as an active-duty Regular Army Infantry Officer and recognized by the Army with the following awards:► Distinguished Military Graduate, recognizing the Top 5% of all newly commissioned officers nationwide for that year ► General George C. Marshall Leadership Award, recognizing the Top 1% of all newly commissioned officers nationwide. I received the news in a personal letter written by the Chief of Staff of the Army and had the honor of meeting him in person when he handed me the award.My first active-duty assignment was at Fort Benning, GA for specialized Infantry Officer Training. four months later I competed and was selected for training at the Army Ranger School. I achieved Honor Graduate status at the conclusion of that training.My first field assignment was as a Rifle Platoon Leader in an infantry battalion in Germany. While I was stationed in Germany I held several other leadership roles. Our Army in Europe was critical in those years -- with over 300,000 troops -- since we were in a Cold War at the time with the Soviet Union.

Executive Master'S In Leadership, Organizational Leadership

Awarded Executive Education Certificate, Advanced Management Program For Senior Managers In Government

Fellowship, Foreign Politics, International Relations And The National Interest

Awarded Executive Education Certificate, Program For Senior Executives In National And International Security

Master Of Arts (Ma), National Security And Strategic Studies

Master Of Arts (Ma), Government

Professional Military Education Diploma, The Art And Science Of The Operational Level Of War

Master Of Public Administration (Mpa), Public Administration

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), History And Government