Your Primary Professional Network in Washington, DC

 

WHY WE ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR CAREER

 

A November 2011 article in The Economist ("Contact Sports") stated that "in the rarefied world of the corporate board, a good network matters."  The article went on to mention that executives with 400 contacts are, on average, paid 6 percent more than those with 200.  For non-executives, the gap is 14 percent. 

The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, LLC (WIPG) is the premier organization that introduces mid- to high-level professionals in the DC Metropolitan area to newly appointed Ambassadors from around the world, as well as newly elected Members of Congress.  We hold monthly networking events as a means of providing professionals extended exposure and access to key policy makers in the city.

 

WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR OUR SERVICES

As the demand for strategic partnerships and stronger networks with private and public sector groups continues to grow, it is clear that a need exists for DC-based professionals to expand their contacts among other key policy makers, business executives, political and community leaders. 

In the current economic times, DC-based professionals will need to depend on such contacts to obtain valuable information in the most cost-effective manner to ensure the best decisions are made when carrying out their business plans and policy goals. 

With the election of new members in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, the demand to interact with the Freshman Class of this Congress becomes even more apparent. WIPG can help you develop and organize Congressional Meet and Greets, staff briefings, and fly-in activities specifically designed for your needs that would allow for the continued growth of your contacts in Congress at very little cost.

 

 

WHY WE CAN BE A USEFUL RESOURCE FOR YOUR NEXT JOB

Networking is the best way to find your next job, especially since the vast majority of job openings are never advertised.  They are usually filled via word of mouth.  Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking opportunities because they feel it is a waste of time, nor do they recognize the value of making key necessary contacts.  But networking is not a useless excercise—it’s about building relationships. As you look for a new job, these relationships can provide much-needed feedback, advice, and support.

 

Networking may sound difficult, or even intimidating—especially when it comes to
finding a job or asking for help—but it doesn’t have to be. Networking can be
rewarding, and even fun.  It can be a useful tool even if you are new to the DC area and do not know that many people. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Networking Reception
Featuring:  His Excellency Abdulla bin Rashed Al Khalifa
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the
United States of America

Hosted by:  WIPG and the World Trade Center, DC
April 30, 2024

 

 

Networking Luncheon

Featuring:  Her Excellency Hanene Tajouri Bessassi

The Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to the

United States of America

Hosted by:  World Trade Center, DC and WIPG

May 22, 2024

 

 

Networking Reception

Featuring:  Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida)

Member, House Foreign Affairs Committee

Member, House Veterans Affairs Committee

Hosted by:  WIPG and the World Trade Center, DC

June 26, 2024

 

 

Webinar

RFP Cliches Debunked: What Government Buyers Really Think
Hosted by: WIPG Member Jennifer Schaus (JSchaus & Associates) and My GovWatch
March 26, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Information and RSVP:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8990966502126615896  

 

 

Webinar

Palmetier Law - SBIR/STTR: Unleashing Small Business Innovations: A Path To Growth & Prosperity (1 of 2)
Hosted by:  WIPG Member Jennifer Schaus (JSchaus & Associates)
June 20, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Information and RSVP:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/819675359822707801  

 

 

Webinar

Palmetier Law - SBIR/STTR: Unleashing Small Business Innovations: A Path To Growth & Prosperity (2 of 2)
Hosted by:  WIPG Member Jennifer Schaus (JSchaus & Associates)
June 27, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Information and RSVP:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4351522212519190620  

 

 

Webinars

The FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) Complimentary Webinar Series, 2024
Hosted by:  WIPG Member Jennifer Schaus (JSchaus & Associates)
12:00 p.m.
Multiple Dates
Information and RSVP:   https://www.jenniferschaus.com/thefar

 

WIPG Professional Networking Reception with Congressman Don Davis (D-NC)

Nelson Garcia, Founder and President of The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, hosted a professional networking reception featuring Congressman Don Davis (D-NC).

 

Congressman Don Davis was born and raised in Snow Hill, North Carolina. He has spent his life answering the call to serve -- as a veteran, educator, minister, and dedicated public servant.
 
As a young man, Congressman Davis worked in the tobacco fields and faithfully attended the same church where he currently ministers. He graduated in 1994 from the United States Air Force Academy and became a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, where he actively served in uniform for eight years. As a First Lieutenant, Davis coordinated Air Force One and CODEL operations at Andrews Air Force Base and supported families of military members as a mortuary officer.
 
Congressman Davis returned to eastern North Carolina as an assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at East Carolina University Air Force ROTC Detachment 600, where he taught national security affairs, military history, and leadership courses. As an educator for over 20 years, Davis mentored thousands of students as they completed their studies.
 
As a veteran, Congressman Davis continued his commitment to public service by becoming the youngest Mayor of Snow Hill at age 29, where he served seven years. In 2008, Congressman Davis was elected to the North Carolina State Senate, serving six terms. 

 

In 2022, Congressman Davis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing 19 counties comprising the First Congressional District of North Carolina in eastern North Carolina. The Region 7 delegation unanimously elected him to serve as their representative and on the Steering & Policy Committee. Congressman Davis remains committed to working with his colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to address the needs of his constituents in the First Congressional District.

 

Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in sociology with a concentration in regional development, and a doctoral degree in education from East Carolina University.
 
Congressman Davis lives in Greene County, NC. He is married to Yuvonka, and they have three sons--Ryan, Justin, and Kyler.

 

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

Christopher Chaisson                                                        Attorney                                                                    Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP 
CounselCounsel
Experienced attorney focused on international white collar criminal defense (FCPA, FEPA, FARA, OIG matters), international sanctions (OFAC), government investigations, and commercial litigation as well as transactional work (including CFIUS matters) and general legal counsel to high-growth start-ups. I have a diverse background in criminal law, national security, and the private sector. I have first-chair trial experience as a former organized crime prosecutor and bring over a decade of experience working in intelligence and national security as an Operations Officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). I have also served as a senior business executive in a DC-area start-up.

About Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP: With over 200 attorneys, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston provides a comprehensive range of sophisticated, cost-effective business law and litigation services to clients ranging from innovative start-ups to middle market companies to global enterprises. Its growing Mid-Atlantic footprint includes seventeen offices in Washington D.C., New York, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

Select Recent Representative Matters:

- Delivered CFIUS opinion letter on capital raise transaction in the cryptocurrency space
- Advised foreign subsidiary of U.S. publicly traded company on FCPA compliance requirements
- OFAC delisting petitions and APA litigation
- Advised SEC registrants in connection with subpoena responses
- Defended small business owner as part of IRS criminal investigation
- Represented multiple healthcare providers in False Claims Act investigations and associated regulatory enforcement actions
- Negotiated delicate and complex "business divorce" amongst former business partners, substantially limiting client's potential liability and mitigating future litigation risk
- Serving as outside general counsel to mid-sized defense contractor, cybersecurity startup, and healthcare startupExperienced attorney focused on international white collar criminal defense (FCPA, FEPA, FARA, OIG matters), international sanctions (OFAC), government investigations, and commercial litigation as well as transactional work (including CFIUS matters) and general legal counsel to high-growth start-ups. I have a diverse background in criminal law, national security, and the private sector. I have first-chair trial experience as a former organized crime prosecutor and bring over a decade of experience working in intelligence and national security as an Operations Officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). I have also served as a senior business executive in a DC-area start-up. About Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP: With over 200 attorneys, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston provides a comprehensive range of sophisticated, cost-effective business law and litigation services to clients ranging from innovative start-ups to middle market companies to global enterprises. Its growing Mid-Atlantic footprint includes seventeen offices in Washington D.C., New York, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Select Recent Representative Matters: - Delivered CFIUS opinion letter on capital raise transaction in the cryptocurrency space - Advised foreign subsidiary of U.S. publicly traded company on FCPA compliance requirements - OFAC delisting petitions and APA litigation - Advised SEC registrants in connection with subpoena responses - Defended small business owner as part of IRS criminal investigation - Represented multiple healthcare providers in False Claims Act investigations and associated regulatory enforcement actions - Negotiated delicate and complex "business divorce" amongst former business partners, substantially limiting client's potential liability and mitigating future litigation risk - Serving as outside general counsel to mid-sized defense contractor, cybersecurity startup, and healthcare startup
Skills: White Collar Criminal Defense · National Security · CFIUS · Economic Sanctions · Government Investigations · FCPASkills: White Collar Criminal Defense · National Security · CFIUS · Economic Sanctions · Government Investigations · FCPA


Tayman Lane Chaverri LLP 
CounselCounsel
Represented clients and provided legal counsel in various practice areas, including:

- Commercial Litigation (Business Disputes & Creditors' Rights, etc.)
- Government Contracts Compliance & Investigations (FCA, FCPA, etc.)
- Outside General Counsel Services
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance Programs 
- Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs) & Membership Interest Purchase Agreements (MIPAs)Represented clients and provided legal counsel in various practice areas, including: - Commercial Litigation (Business Disputes & Creditors' Rights, etc.) - Government Contracts Compliance & Investigations (FCA, FCPA, etc.) - Outside General Counsel Services - Legal and Regulatory Compliance Programs - Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs) & Membership Interest Purchase Agreements (MIPAs)


Maestro Group 
Corporate Counsel & Chief Operating OfficerCorporate Counsel & Chief Operating Officer
Provided legal counsel and oversaw daily operations and business strategy of full-service sales and marketing consulting firm in collaboration with company founder.

- Negotiated and drafted contracts and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Advised company executives on litigation, intellectual property rights and outside counsel billing
- Developed SaaS technology licensing agreements for commercial and government customers
- Enforced intellectual property rights through monitoring and cease and desist letters
- Supported startup companies with in-depth business planning
- Delivered leadership and sales consulting services to over 30 clients improving key performance metrics for client companiesProvided legal counsel and oversaw daily operations and business strategy of full-service sales and marketing consulting firm in collaboration with company founder. - Negotiated and drafted contracts and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) - Advised company executives on litigation, intellectual property rights and outside counsel billing - Developed SaaS technology licensing agreements for commercial and government customers - Enforced intellectual property rights through monitoring and cease and desist letters - Supported startup companies with in-depth business planning - Delivered leadership and sales consulting services to over 30 clients improving key performance metrics for client companies
Skills: Leadership · Public Speaking · Negotiation · Contract NegotiationSkills: Leadership · Public Speaking · Negotiation · Contract Negotiation


Central Intelligence Agency 
Operations Officer (Senior Officer I)Operations Officer (Senior Officer I)
Extensive experience in national security, international negotiations, crisis management, and investigations. Routinely wrote intelligence reports included in the Presidential Daily Brief (PDB) from intelligence personally collected. Advanced training and certification in espionage tradecraft, to include surveillance detection and hard-target operations.

- Served multiple field tours within the Directorate of Operations as a Case Officer, including two management assignments leading human and capital resources for multiple divisions

- Substantially contributed to a body of intelligence in the lead up to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)Extensive experience in national security, international negotiations, crisis management, and investigations. Routinely wrote intelligence reports included in the Presidential Daily Brief (PDB) from intelligence personally collected. Advanced training and certification in espionage tradecraft, to include surveillance detection and hard-target operations. - Served multiple field tours within the Directorate of Operations as a Case Officer, including two management assignments leading human and capital resources for multiple divisions - Substantially contributed to a body of intelligence in the lead up to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
Skills: Government · Foreign Policy · National Security · International Relations · Farsi · Investigation · Leadership · Public Speaking · Economic Sanctions · Federal Government · Persian · Negotiation · Dari · National Security StrategySkills: Government · Foreign Policy · National Security · International Relations · Farsi · Investigation · Leadership · Public Speaking · Economic Sanctions · Federal Government · Persian · Negotiation · Dari · National Security Strategy


BAE Systems, Inc. 
Systems AnalystSystems Analyst
Assisted with the analysis and production of various analytic products specifically focused on threat awareness and force protection while supplying analytical support for senior client representatives. Conducted comprehensive research on complex topics independently and as part of larger analytical efforts.Assisted with the analysis and production of various analytic products specifically focused on threat awareness and force protection while supplying analytical support for senior client representatives. Conducted comprehensive research on complex topics independently and as part of larger analytical efforts.
Skills: Foreign Policy · National Security · International Relations · InvestigationSkills: Foreign Policy · National Security · International Relations · Investigation


United States Attorneys'​ Offices 
Special Assistant United States AttorneySpecial Assistant United States Attorney
Cross-designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York in connection with the investigation and prosecution of the acting head of the Bonanno crime family. Assisted into the investigation and trial preparation leading to the conviction of numerous high level organized crime figures.Cross-designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York in connection with the investigation and prosecution of the acting head of the Bonanno crime family. Assisted into the investigation and trial preparation leading to the conviction of numerous high level organized crime figures.
Skills: Legal Writing · Criminal Justice · Criminal Procedure · Government · Legal Issues · Westlaw · Criminal Investigations · Legal Advice · Criminal Law · Investigation · Litigation · Hearings · Legal Research · Pleadings · Organized Crime Investigation · Government Investigations · Federal Government · Prosecution · Trial PracticeSkills: Legal Writing · Criminal Justice · Criminal Procedure · Government · Legal Issues · Westlaw · Criminal Investigations · Legal Advice · Criminal Law · Investigation · Litigation · Hearings · Legal Research · Pleadings · Organized Crime Investigation · Government Investigations · Federal Government · Prosecution · Trial Practice


Bronx County District Attorney Office 
Assistant District Attorney (Rackets Bureau) Assistant District Attorney (Rackets Bureau)
Prosecuted complex multi-jurisdiction organized crime and firearms trafficking investigations leading to the conviction and incarceration of high level organized crime figures in New York City. Oversaw multi-million dollar DOJ grant to increase Office's ability to effectively investigate and prosecute illegal firearms traffickers. Substantial experience with grand jury investigations, undercover investigations and felony trial work.Prosecuted complex multi-jurisdiction organized crime and firearms trafficking investigations leading to the conviction and incarceration of high level organized crime figures in New York City. Oversaw multi-million dollar DOJ grant to increase Office's ability to effectively investigate and prosecute illegal firearms traffickers. Substantial experience with grand jury investigations, undercover investigations and felony trial work.
Skills: Legal Writing · Trials · Criminal Justice · Criminal Procedure · Government · Legal Issues · Jury Trials · Westlaw · Criminal Investigations · Legal Advice · Criminal Law · Investigation · Litigation · Leadership · Hearings · Public Speaking · Legal Research · Pleadings · Organized Crime Investigation · Government Investigations · Prosecution · Negotiation · Trial PracticeSkills: Legal Writing · Trials · Criminal Justice · Criminal Procedure · Government · Legal Issues · Jury Trials · Westlaw · Criminal Investigations · Legal Advice · Criminal Law · Investigation · Litigation · Leadership · Hearings · Public Speaking · Legal Research · Pleadings · Organized Crime Investigation · Government Investigations · Prosecution · Negotiation · Trial Practice


Nixon Peabody LLP 
Summer AssociateSummer Associate
Conducted legal research and due diligence for high profile clients in the telecommunications and publishing industries in connection with the firm's antitrust practice. Assisted in the drafting of motions in connections with the firm's white collar defense practice.Conducted legal research and due diligence for high profile clients in the telecommunications and publishing industries in connection with the firm's antitrust practice. Assisted in the drafting of motions in connections with the firm's white collar defense practice.
Skills: Legal Writing · Legal Issues · Westlaw · Litigation · Legal Research · PleadingsSkills: Legal Writing · Legal Issues · Westlaw · Litigation · Legal Research · Pleadings


United States Attorneys'​ Offices

Law ClerkLaw Clerk
Assisted in the successful prosecution of a high profile sex crimes offender. Assisted in witness preparation, discovery and trial preparation for multiple felony cases. Conducted legal research and drafted motion papers under the supervision of Assistant United States Attorneys in the Homicide Section.Assisted in the successful prosecution of a high profile sex crimes offender. Assisted in witness preparation, discovery and trial preparation for multiple felony cases. Conducted legal research and drafted motion papers under the supervision of Assistant United States Attorneys in the Homicide Section.
Skills: Legal Writing · Criminal Justice · Government · Legal Issues · Westlaw · Criminal Investigations · Criminal Law · Investigation · Litigation · Legal Research · Pleadings · Federal Government · ProsecutionSkills: Legal Writing · Criminal Justice · Government · Legal Issues · Westlaw · Criminal Investigations · Criminal Law · Investigation · Litigation · Legal Research · Pleadings · Federal Government · Prosecution


Federal Bureau of Prisons 
Legal InternLegal Intern
Drafted Government responses in civil law suits against the Federal Bureau of Prisons to include obtaining dismissal of a suit filed by Oklahoma City bombing co-conspirator Terry Nichols related to his conditions of confinement. 
Drafted Government responses in civil law suits against the Federal Bureau of Prisons to include obtaining dismissal of a suit filed by Oklahoma City bombing co-conspirator Terry Nichols related to his conditions of confinement. 
Skills: Legal Writing · Criminal Justice · Government · Legal Issues · Westlaw · Litigation · Legal Research · Federal Government

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