Michael Tongour

Over the last twelve years, Mike Tongour has been retained for his expertise in the Federal legislative process by a variety of Fortune 500 companies, leading American associations, municipalities, and non-profit groups to help them formulate an achievable legislative strategy and to help them successfully implement that strategy. He founded the firm in 1996 after serving as Chief Counsel/Staff Director to the Senate Republican Whip, Alan K. Simpson (R-Wy). His career on Capitol Hill began when he served as Counsel to what is now the Senate HELP Committee.

In the Senate, he supervised the daily operations of the Whip’s office. Specific responsibilities included providing legislative information to Senators and their staff members, aiding Senator Simpson in the traditional vote counting duties of the Whip, and helping coordinate and implement Senate floor strategy.

Mr. Tongour’s legislative skills were acknowledged in the leading Congressional newspaper, Roll Call, where he was frequently included in their list of the Fabulous Fifty - Congressional Staffers With Real Power. When he moved to the private sector, Legal Times, the Washington, D.C. based journal on law and lobbying, listed him as one of the top 10 most sought after staffers to leave the Hill. Mr. Tongour is a current member and a past President of RAMS, a 150-member organization comprised of present and former Republican Staff Directors. He has been a guest lecturer on the Federal legislative process at the Brookings Institution, American University, George Washington University, Georgetown University Law School, the International Republican Institute, and the Close Up Foundation. He serves on the University of South Carolina, Department of Political Science, National Advisory Board. He is a member of the National Symphony Orchestra Circles Board.

Mr. Tongour is a native of Barnwell, South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude. He earned his J.D. in 1981, and was selected for membership in the Order of the Coif, and the Order of the Wig and Robe. He and his wife, Lalie, have three children, Jack, Alec, and Stella Louise.

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