George McElwee

gmcelwee@commonwealthstrategic.com

George is a founding member and managing partner of Commonwealth Strategic Partners (CSP). George brings 20 years of experience to CSP having worked in both the public and private sectors.

In his leadership role at CSP, George provides clients with government relations support and guidance on a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues. This includes serving as the principal representative in Washington, D.C. for Ionic Security and the National Technology Security Coalition to develop and execute a federal cyber policy strategy; executing a successful cybersecurity briefing on behalf of Second Front Systems for the Congressional Smart Contracting Caucus; and working with congressional leaders to introduce legislation to establish the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee – reporting directly to the Director of Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Prior to forming CSP, George served as the chief lobbyist to the Organization for International Investment (OFII) representing more than 160 U.S. subsidiaries of leading global companies. As Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, George was responsible for advising association members and policy makers on Buy America, corporate inversions, corporate tax, international trade agreements, and tax treaties. George strategically expanded OFII’s advocacy presence with Congress, the Administration, and state and local governments.

From 2005-2013, George served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Charles W. Dent (R-PA), implementing Mr. Dent’s overall legislative, communication, and political vision and winning five consecutive Congressional elections. While working for Mr. Dent, George developed and executed a long-term strategy to secure a seat on the coveted House Committee on Appropriations.

With a reputation of bipartisanship, George was elected in 2009 by his peers to serve as President of the House Chiefs of Staff Association – a bipartisan association of almost 500 current chiefs of staff and committee staff directors. George held the position for three years, becoming the longest serving president in the association’s 36-year history.

Prior to working for Mr. Dent, George spent five years as Director, Federal Government Affairs for the American Financial Services Association (AFSA), a national trade association representing the consumer credit and finance industry, and on the staff of former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).

A commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Lieutenant Commander McElwee is a public affairs officer assigned to the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO). His previous assignments include, Flag Assistant to the U.S. Navy Vice Chief of Information (one-star admiral); U.S. Navy Office of Information; U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) – East.

George holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the College of International Security Affairs, National Defense University; a Graduate Certificate in PACs and Political Management from the Graduate School of Political Management, George Washington University; Joint Professional Military Education, Phase I from Air Command and Staff College, Air University; a graduate of Public Affairs Qualification Course from Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade; a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania; and studied at Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA.