2024 Top Lobbyist

Created BY lobbyists FOR lobbyists

We set out on a mission to create an annual Top Lobbyist list more representative of the profession and not simply based on who you know or where you work. Our judges blindly evaluate each nominee to ensure receiving the honor of Top Lobbyists is 100% merit-based.

Our list is comprised of lobbyists, PAC managers, and grassroots professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues, Members of Congress, Congressional staff, or clients for their outstanding work. This distinction spotlights professionals who saw significant legislative success, have been innovative in their field, are held in high regard by their clients or members, and are individuals who give back to their community through charity or pro bono work.

2024 Top Lobbyist Schedule

• September 4: Nomination Process Opens
• October 4: Nomination Process Ends
• October 29: 2024 Top Lobbyists Announced
• November 7: 2024 Top Lobbyist Reception at The Library of Congress (open to NILE members and 2024 Top Lobbyist recipients)

Nomination Process

• Nominees must be nominated by a co-worker, client, congressional/agency staff, or peer within the profession.
• A nomination must demonstrate 2024 lobbying, PAC, or grassroots advocacy success. Successes from previous years will not be considered.
• Both Federal and State lobbyists, PAC Managers/Directors, and grassroots professionals may be nominated.
• A nominee may be nominated by multiple people and is encouraged to do so. There is no limit on the number of nominations a nominee can receive, provided each nomination comes from a different person.
• The nominee DOES NOT have to be a member of the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics.
• All information regarding nominators and nominees will remain confidential. Nominees will only be informed if they are selected and will not be told the identity of their nominator.
• Only individuals will be considered, please do not nominate teams.
• We encourage adding letters of recommendation to your nomination packet. You can send letter of recommendation requests to individuals through our new nomination system. 
  • The following letters of recommendation are accepted and encouraged:
    • Letters of recommendation from a Congressional or agency staff, client, peer within the profession, or community-based organization.
• If you would like to provide a letter of recommendation to add to the nomination packet of an individual you know has been nominated, please send it to Nicole at nsmith@mwcapitol.com

If you have any questions about the nomination process please reach out to Nicole at nsmith@mwcapitol.com

Nominee Evaluation

Each nominee will be evaluated using the criteria below

• Success

Did the nominee have significant 2024 lobbying, PAC, or grassroots success?​​

• Innovation

Did the nominee innovate in their field? How were they thought leaders in their policy area or profession?

• Character

Is the nominee viewed positively by their peers? Does the nominee provide pro bono services and/or participate within their community?