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Clients look to me for my knowledge and experience with the federal government as well as with local and state governments, especially my ability to help them build relationships and shape consensus on both sides of the aisle. My work providing advice and counsel helps further their interests and helps shape policy goals.

A former senior White House official with more than 30 years serving the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, Rick Dearborn is a seasoned veteran in D.C. He works personally and closely with clients to craft effective and creative strategies, analyze data, address opportunities and threats, craft strategic communications and advocate for clients’ interests with targeted strategies. Rick’s extensive background managing teams, working on policy and managing legislative efforts enables him to interface with other members of the firm’s government relations team to enhance client service.

Rick has in-depth experience serving clients in the energy, infrastructure, finance, technology, health care and defense industries. In particular, he draws upon his experience as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Congressional Affairs under George W. Bush to inform his work for clients relating to energy policy.

In addition to his experience in that role, Rick most recently served the executive branch as Assistant to the President and President Donald Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff from January 2017 through mid-March 2018. He was responsible for the day-to-day operations of approximately 100 staff members in five separate Executive Office of the President (EOP) departments. Rick also served as Executive Director of President Trump’s Presidential Transition Team following the 2016 election, directing and managing the core components of the team and its 600-plus staff members.

Rick’s prior service also includes more than 18 years working with then-U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, having originally been hired as the senator’s Legislative Director in 1997 and eventually serving as his Chief of Staff from 2005–2017. Rick has maintained connections throughout the state of Alabama that help him advance clients’ interests at the state and local level as well.

In addition to his service for then-Senator Sessions, Rick has previously worked at the National Republican Senatorial Committee for Sens. Rudy Boschwitz and Don Nickles. He has served in Senate Leadership Offices for Senators Trent Lott and Bob Kasten on the Senate Republican Conference, and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison as Executive Director of the Senate Steering Committee. He served as Director of Congressional Relations for The Heritage Foundation and as a lobbyist for the American Medical Association.

Disclaimer: Rick Dearborn is not licensed to practice law. Rick Dearborn maintains a separate strategic planning, corporate advisory and corporate advocacy business as a Partner with Mindset.

I’m passionate about tackling tough issues and analyzing every angle to find a path to a solution. I pride myself on being active and personally involved with my clients as we develop sound strategies to achieve their objectives.

Education

  • University of Oklahoma, B.A., 1988

Acknowledgements

Rick was named in Yellowhammer News Power and Influence: Alabamians in D.C. in 2020.